Washington, Sept 11 (V7N) — On the eve of the 23rd anniversary of the September 11 terrorist attacks in the United States, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu drew parallels between the 2001 tragedy and the October 7, 2023 Hamas assault on Israel, as he sought to defend Israel’s recent airstrikes on Hamas leaders in Qatar.

The strike, carried out on September 9 in Doha, Qatar, has provoked widespread condemnation, including sharp criticism from the White House. Qatar has been playing a central role in facilitating ceasefire negotiations between Israel and Hamas, making the incident particularly sensitive.

Speaking in his televised remarks, Netanyahu said, “Tomorrow is September 11th. We remember September 11th. On that day, Islamist terrorists committed the worst savagery on American soil since the founding of the United States. We also have a September 11th. We remember October 7th.” He further described the Hamas assault as “the worst savagery against the Jewish people since the Holocaust.”

The White House expressed strong disapproval of the strike. Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said in a statement, “Unilaterally bombing inside Qatar, a sovereign nation and close ally of the United States that is working very hard and bravely taking risks with us to broker peace, does not advance Israel or America’s goals. However, eliminating Hamas, who have profited off the misery of those living in Gaza, is a worthy goal.”

President Donald Trump later endorsed Leavitt’s statement, reposting it on social media.

Internationally, the attack has drawn criticism from Arab states, European leaders, and humanitarian groups, who warned that striking within Qatar’s borders could destabilize ongoing peace efforts and undermine regional diplomacy. Qatar itself has summoned Israeli representatives in protest.

Netanyahu, however, invoked the U.S. response to 9/11 as justification. “In the wake of 9/11, the U.S. pledged to punish the perpetrators, wherever they may be. We are doing the same against Hamas,” he said, reiterating Israel’s determination to continue its military campaign despite mounting international pressure.

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