Trump initiated talks with Israel and Qatar. Netanyahu expressed regret over the attack

The White House announced that US President Donald Trump had organized a telephone call with the heads of state of Israel and Qatar with the aim of improving mutual relations after years of disagreement. The heads of state accepted the proposal to establish a trilateral mechanism for better coordination and communication.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told Qatari Prime Minister Muhammad bin Abdar Rahmán Sání on Monday that Israel did not intend to violate Qatar's sovereignty again.

This statement is a response to the Israeli missile attack on Doha in early September, which was unsuccessfully directed against members of Hamas but unintentionally killed a Qatari soldier. Netanyahu regrets this attack.

After this meeting, the US president said that Israel and other parties were “very close” to reaching an agreement to end the war in the Gaza Strip. The agreement would also involve Arab countries and contribute to a more comprehensive peace in the Middle East.

“We are at least very, very close. I think we are already further along,” he told reporters, thanking Netanyahu.

He would welcome Hamas' acceptance of the peace agreement plan he presented. He stated that, otherwise, he would support Benjamin Netanyahu's efforts.

(reuters, sie)