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Kushner and Witkoff Decry Doha Strike as Betrayal, Revealing U.S.–Israel Rift During Gaza Talks

The interview portrays the Doha strike as a blow to Qatari mediation that forced a U.S. course correction.

Kushner Says U.S. Had to Rein in Israel After Qatar Strike, Felt ‘Betrayed’
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A mourner wearing a shirt with an image of U.S. President Donald Trump holds an Israeli flag at the funeral procession for Guy Illouz, whose body was returned to Israel as part of the ceasefire deal, in Rishon Le'zion, Israel, on Oct. 15.

Overview

  • In a 60 Minutes interview, Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff said they "felt a little bit betrayed" by Israel's September strike in Qatar and described Israel as "getting a little bit out of control."
  • Israel said the operation targeted senior Hamas leaders in Doha, but reporting indicates it failed to kill top figures and resulted in deaths of lower-level operatives and a Qatari security guard.
  • Witkoff said the strike cost negotiators Qatar’s confidence, pushed Hamas underground, and made contact with the group far more difficult.
  • The fallout led President Trump to increase pressure on Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, with Netanyahu later apologizing to Qatar as the U.S. pledged to protect the Gulf ally from future attacks.
  • Despite the disruption, U.S.-led mediation produced a 20-point ceasefire and hostage-release deal, with living hostages freed and next-phase issues like disarmament and Gaza governance still to be worked out.