Unholy: Two Jews on the News
Emergency Update – Strike on Hamas in Qatar (Sept 9, 2025)
Hosts: Yonit Levi (Channel 12, Israel, in Washington), Jonathan Freedland (The Guardian, in London)
Guest: Amos Harel (Military Affairs Analyst, Haaretz)
Main Theme
The emergency episode centers on Israel’s unprecedented airstrike targeting a meeting of Hamas leadership in Qatar—an event with immediate and potentially seismic ramifications for Israel, the ongoing war in Gaza, hostage negotiations, and regional stability. With facts still emerging, the hosts and Amos Harel break down the motivations behind the strike, implications for a hostage deal, the regional message Israel is sending, and the evolving geopolitical calculations involving the US and Gulf states.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. Why Did Israel Strike in Qatar?
[00:12–02:49]
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Deliberate Escalation:
- Amos Harel suggests that this is “about Bibi being Bibi. Why does Bibi do things anymore? Because he can.” ([00:56])
- Netanyahu is not seeking a hostage deal at this point; instead, he has US (Trump-era) backing to escalate action in Gaza and beyond.
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Domestic and Retaliatory Factors:
- Significant support exists within Israel for targeting the same Hamas leaders involved in the October 7 attacks (“these are the same guys who were celebrating...the terrible massacre on October 7th.” [01:35])
- The elimination of hostages’ negotiating team sparks distress among hostage families: “...the hostage families are in panic right now regarding the fate of their children.” [02:41]
2. Did Israel Just Kill the Possibility of a Hostage Deal?
[02:49–05:55]
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Pushback on the Motive:
- Yonit Levi challenges the dominant Israeli narrative that those targeted were hardliners blocking a deal, wondering if their removal could actually clear the path for progress.
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No Real Optimism:
- Amos Harel rebuts, stating the main Hamas leader in Gaza (“Din Al Haddad... a hardliner”) is still in place, so killing leaders outside likely won’t change negotiations:
“I would remain suspicious about both the Israeli statements and the American statements about what exactly went on...” [04:24]
- The White House was reportedly “furious” at only last-minute Israeli notification (via Barak Ravid reporting).
- Amos Harel rebuts, stating the main Hamas leader in Gaza (“Din Al Haddad... a hardliner”) is still in place, so killing leaders outside likely won’t change negotiations:
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US-Israel Coordination (or Lack of):
- Trump’s stance is ambiguous throughout, both claiming involvement and plausible deniability.
3. Timing and Motive: Retaliation or Negotiation Sabotage?
[05:55–09:36]
- Retaliation Prevails:
- Jonathan underscores that such operations always provoke “why” and “why now”; here, it could be retaliation for a recent deadly attack in Jerusalem and/or seizing an operational opportunity.
- Amos asserts retaliation and operational opportunity outweigh negotiations as motives.
- Emphasizes a pattern: “it’s a combination of reasons... But now that this has happened, I think there’s even less of a chance [for a deal].” [08:18]
- Security chiefs in Israel (Eyal Zamir, Barnea from Mossad, and Shin Beth) all support negotiation—but are being sidelined by leadership intent on escalation.
4. The Regional Message: ‘Don’t Mess With Us’
[09:36–10:10]
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Deterrence Across Borders:
- Yonit suggests Israel is sending a message—no target is safe, be it Qatar, Tehran, or the Houthis in Yemen.
- Amos agrees: “Bibi is gradually falling in love with this notion that we can strike anywhere, that we can eliminate leaders everywhere...” [10:10]
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Risks of Retaliation:
- Warns that such actions invite reciprocal attacks: “this is a game that could be played both ways…we’ll see ministers, ex-generals, ex-intelligence people...at least threatened abroad.” [11:12]
- Gulf states were seen as a “safe zone”; attacking in Qatar rapidly shifts those norms.
5. Qatar: ‘Switzerland of the Middle East’ Now Fair Game?
[12:36–13:35]
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Crossing a Line:
- Jonathan notes many diplomats viewed Qatar as “off limits,” a neutral broker hosting the largest US base and ceasefire talks.
- Its targeting may shatter “unspoken rules” in regional conflict.
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Should Qatar Be Exempt?
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Amos defends the strike, saying Qatar has “been supporting Hamas for quite some time,” yet cautions that it endangers progress toward peace and increases risks to the hostages and Israeli society as a whole.
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Memorable concern:
“These dangerous games are not leading us to the end of the war. They’re actually...entangling us in this forever war. It’s very, very dangerous for Israeli society at large.” [14:22]
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He emphasizes the risk to hostages, Israeli soldiers, and the normalization of targeted killings spilling over into civilian and diplomatic spheres.
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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
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On Netanyahu’s Motive:
“Right now it’s about fighting your enemies everywhere and not moving forward with a deal. Once you do that, you remain popular with the right wing Smotenschen. Benville would be happy. The war continues.”
— Amos Harel [02:25] -
On the Remaining Hamas Leadership:
“The leader of Hamas inside Gaza is Din Al Haddad ... He’s a hardliner. He’s not somebody who was willing to be flexible regarding negotiations.”
— Amos Harel [03:40] -
On Israeli Deterrence:
“Bibi is gradually falling in love with this notion that we can strike anywhere, that we can eliminate leaders everywhere...”
— Amos Harel [10:11] -
On Risks of Regional Escalation:
“This is a game that could be played both ways ... we’ll see ministers, ex-generals, ex-intelligence people ... being at least threatened abroad.”
— Amos Harel [11:17] -
On the Dangers for Israeli Tourists:
“There will be open season on Israeli tourists ... if Israel is willing to do that, Hamas would try to retaliate. This could become dangerous for Israeli tourists as well.”
— Amos Harel [12:02] -
On the 'Martini Doctrine':
“Netanyahu clearly has this sort of Martini doctrine anytime, any place, anywhere...”
— Jonathan Freedland [12:37] -
On the Broader Risks:
“These dangerous games are not leading us to the end of the war...I may be obsessing over this, but I think the fate of 20 live hostages and also the necessary return of 30 bodies of hostages should be top priority.”
— Amos Harel [14:22]
Key Timestamps for Important Segments
- 00:56 — Amos Harel on Netanyahu’s motives and lack of interest in a hostage deal
- 04:24 — Skepticism on Israeli and US government narratives
- 09:36 — Yonit raises the argument about Israeli deterrence regionally
- 10:10 — Amos elaborates on Israel’s new “strike anywhere” mentality
- 12:36 — Jonathan probes Qatar’s changed status from safe zone to target
- 13:35 — Amos responds, defending the strike yet expressing concern for escalation and hostages
- 14:22 — Amos underscores the dangerous, never-ending nature of the ongoing war strategy
Episode Tone
Conversational, analytical, laced with urgency and deep concern. The guests and hosts openly debate intentions, consequences, and the region's future with a blend of skepticism and pragmatism. Ominous warnings abound about potential blowback, with personal and societal stakes for Israelis and the wider region.
In summary:
The emergency strike in Qatar marks a new, risky phase in Israel’s confrontation with Hamas, potentially at great diplomatic, military, and human cost. Intentions, timing, and consequences remain a matter for fierce debate, with consensus emerging only on the gravity and dangers ahead.