By DAYO ADESULU
Doha, September 11, 2025 — The Israeli strike on a Hamas delegation in Qatar has set off alarm bells across the Middle East, with many interpreting the move as a direct message from Israel to both its adversaries and regional governments.
Analysts say the attack underscores Israel’s determination to assert dominance in the region, bolstered by its longstanding military partnership with the United States.
Daniel Levy, a former Israeli government adviser, argued that the operation was designed to send an unmistakable warning:
“Israel is telling the region — we are untouchable with U.S. support. Either align with our vision of dominance, which includes sidelining the Palestinian cause, or prepare to pay the price.”
Qatar to Host Urgent Arab-Islamic Summit
In response to the strike, Qatar announced plans to convene an emergency Arab-Islamic summit in Doha on Sunday. The high-level gathering, reported by the state-run QNA news agency, will bring together key Arab and Muslim leaders to coordinate a response to what Doha has described as a “provocative escalation.”
The move positions Qatar as a central actor in the unfolding crisis, rallying support among regional allies who remain deeply critical of Israel’s military actions.
Regional Dynamics in Flux
Observers note that Qatar’s network of alliances could prove pivotal. While these countries have the capacity to counterbalance Israel’s strategy, the extent of their willingness to do so remains uncertain.
“The real question is whether Qatar’s partners will use their influence to push back,” Levy noted, emphasizing that the outcome of the summit could reshape the region’s power balance.
Israel’s Growing Assertiveness
The strike marks another escalation in Israel’s ongoing confrontations with Palestinian factions and comes as part of a broader pattern of hardline policies under Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government.
With Washington’s backing, Israel is increasingly testing the limits of regional tolerance. Analysts warn that this approach could either entrench its quest for regional hegemony or ignite unified resistance from Arab and Islamic states.
The Doha summit will now serve as a litmus test: whether the region unites to push back against Israel’s expanding influence, or whether Tel Aviv solidifies its standing as the region’s unchallenged power broker.
