Netanyahu Threatens Turkey Over Hamas Leaders

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has issued a direct warning to Qatar and Turkey, demanding they expel Hamas leaders or face Israeli retaliation. Speaking in a video message in English, Netanyahu compared Israel’s fight against Hamas to America’s response after the September 11 attacks.

Netanyahu’s Warning

In his statement, Netanyahu declared:

“I say to Qatar and all countries that host terrorists: Either expel them or bring them to justice, because if you don’t, we will do it ourselves.”

The prime minister accused Qatar of acting as a safe haven for Hamas leaders, claiming that the Gulf state not only shelters them but also finances the organization and provides “luxurious villas” for its top officials.

Linking 9/11 and October 7

The message was timed around the anniversary of the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks in the United States. Netanyahu drew a parallel between America’s tragedy and what he called Israel’s own “September 11.”

“Tomorrow, September 11, Islamic terrorists committed the worst atrocity on American soil since the founding of the United States… We also have September 11. We remember October 7. On that day, Islamic terrorists committed the worst atrocity against the Jewish people since the Holocaust,” he said.

He continued by referencing America’s global campaign against terrorism after 9/11:

“What did America do in the wake of September 11? They promised to pursue the terrorists who committed this heinous crime, wherever they were. They also issued a resolution in the UN Security Council, two weeks later, stating that governments cannot harbor terrorists.”

Comparing Hamas to Al-Qaeda

Netanyahu justified Israel’s recent military actions by likening them to America’s pursuit of Al-Qaeda operatives.

“Yesterday, we acted in the same manner. We pursued the masterminds of terror who perpetrated the massacre of October 7. And we did this. In Qatar, which provides a safe haven, harbors terrorists, funds Hamas, gives its terrorist leaders luxurious villas, and provides them with everything.”

He added:

“We did exactly what America did when it pursued Al-Qaeda terrorists in Afghanistan, and after they went and killed Osama bin Laden in Pakistan.”

Criticism of Global Condemnation

Netanyahu also lashed out at countries criticizing Israel’s operations:

“Now, various countries around the world condemn Israel. They should be ashamed of themselves. What did they do after America eliminated Osama bin Laden? Did they say: What a terrible thing happened in Afghanistan or Pakistan? No, they applauded. They should commend Israel for adhering to the same principles and applying them.”

Global Fallout

Netanyahu’s remarks are expected to escalate diplomatic tensions, particularly with Qatar and Turkey, both of which maintain relations with Hamas. While Israel frames its actions as part of a broader global war on terrorism, international criticism continues to mount over its military campaign in Gaza and operations targeting Hamas leaders abroad.