Kushner: Failed Doha Strike Used to Push Israel Towards Deal
Jared Kushner, former President Donald Trump's senior advisor, revealed that the U.S. leveraged a failed Israeli military strike in Doha, Qatar, as a catalyst to pressure Israel into reaching a deal with Hamas. Speaking in a video interview for the Yalta European Strategy forum, Kushner described the September 9, 2025, "Operation Fire Summit" as an operational failure that isolated Israel internationally.
"We used it to push Israel toward a deal, which today it is quite pleased with," Kushner stated, adding that despite initial difficulties, the outcome ultimately benefited all parties involved, including Israel and the residents of Gaza.
The strike, reportedly targeting Hamas leadership including Khalil al-Hayya and Zaher Jabarin, occurred while they were discussing a U.S. proposal for a ceasefire and hostage release. The operation, managed from the Shin Bet's special operations control room, involved over 10 aircraft and dozens of munitions. Present in the command center during the strike were then-Prime Minister Netanyahu, the Defense Minister, and acting heads of the Shin Bet and Military Intelligence.
Despite the strike's failure to eliminate the targeted leaders, resulting in six deaths including five Hamas operatives and one security official, a comprehensive agreement was reached exactly one month later. This deal led to the release of 48 hostages, both living and deceased.
The same event, reported separately by each outlet. Open a few to compare what different newsrooms emphasize — and what they leave out.
Not the same event — other stories that share this one’s people, places, or theme: background, reactions, and follow-ups.
