Israel’s strike in Doha may have been intended to weaken Hamas, but its most significant unintended consequences have been the unification of its Arab neighbors and widespread international condemnation. An emergency summit in the Qatari capital is showcasing the spectacular blowback from the military operation.
One major unintended consequence is the strengthening of the Gulf Cooperation Council. The attack provided a common cause that has seemingly overridden past disputes, leading to a powerful display of solidarity with Qatar. The UAE’s strong stance, in particular, was a direct result of Israel’s action.
Another unforeseen outcome is the strain on Israel’s relationship with the United States. Instead of earning praise for targeting a designated terrorist group, Israel received a rebuke from President Trump, who saw the attack as a destabilizing move that undermined U.S. interests and the crucial mediation efforts of a key ally.
The summit itself is perhaps the most significant consequence. The gathering of leaders from across the Arab and Islamic world to issue a formal condemnation was likely not part of Israel’s strategic calculation. This diplomatic fallout demonstrates a profound misreading of the regional landscape, turning a tactical strike into a strategic setback.