Washington’s Silence on Israel’s Escalation Threatens Regional Stability

The recent Israeli strike targeting Hamas leadership in Qatar has shaken the political and media landscape across the region and beyond. The attack comes just days before Doha hosts an emergency Arab–Islamic summit on September 14, and it has drawn criticism that the United Nations has once again failed in its duty to uphold international stability—its latest statement deliberately avoided naming the aggressor.

During the emergency UN Security Council session, Qatar’s Prime Minister warned that Israel’s actions have become unpredictable, emboldened by the expectation of impunity. He stressed that the region will not accept such extremist policies.

Strong Regional Condemnations

Arab states were swift to denounce the strike. Among the strongest came from Dr. Anwar Gargash, diplomatic adviser to the UAE President, who condemned Israel’s reckless attack on Qatar and cautioned that such aggression will not bring peace but only fuel instability. He warned the assault undermines ongoing ceasefire efforts and hostage negotiations in Gaza.

Egypt’s Ambassador to the UN, Osama Abdel Khalek, also delivered a forceful statement, framing Qatar’s security and the Gulf’s stability as integral to Egypt’s and the Arab world’s national security. He urged the international community to confront Israel’s “state terrorism” and impose accountability.

U.S. Hesitation Amid Israeli Escalation

The muted response from Washington is notable. While American officials focus on blocking cases at the International Court of Justice and International Criminal Court, they have avoided curbing Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s increasingly radical agenda. This reluctance provides Israel with a shield of impunity while undermining America’s own credibility in the region.

Israeli media, meanwhile, reports that Netanyahu plans to present U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken with a plan for the mass transfer of Gaza’s population by air and sea starting next month—an alarming proposal that echoes ethnic cleansing.

U.S. Senators Sound the Alarm

Notably, two U.S. Democratic senators, Chris Van Hollen and Jeff Merkley, have accused Israel of pursuing a policy of ethnic cleansing in Gaza. Their report, released on September 11 after visits to Egypt, Jordan, Israel, and the occupied West Bank, described systematic starvation, forced displacement, and home demolitions. It cited inflammatory statements from Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich calling for Gaza’s complete destruction and noted that over 63,000 Palestinians have been killed.

The senators further observed similar, if slower, displacement policies in the West Bank. They recounted Israel’s denial of clearance for a Jordanian humanitarian airdrop in which they were due to participate, underscoring Tel Aviv’s tightening control over aid delivery.

Rising Global Backlash

International frustration with Netanyahu’s government has reached unprecedented levels in 2025. The Norwegian sovereign wealth fund recently divested from 11 Israeli companies, while European institutions are considering restrictions on Israel’s participation in research programs. Momentum is also building toward recognition of Palestinian statehood.

Even within Israel’s own diplomatic and military establishment, discontent is growing. Former Ambassador Jeremy Issacharoff publicly acknowledged that the current government’s policies do not reflect the will of most Israelis, while former military chief Herzi Halevi recently admitted that over 10% of Gaza’s population has been killed or injured—a figure closely matching Gaza’s Health Ministry data.

A Dangerous Silence

Washington’s unwillingness to confront Netanyahu risks far-reaching consequences. The latest strike on Qatar undermines regional integration efforts and complicates former President Donald Trump’s ambitions to expand normalization between Israel and Arab states. Continued silence could also open the door for rival powers such as China and Russia to position themselves as more reliable partners for the Middle East.

At a time when the region demands accountability and restraint, America’s hesitation to restrain its closest ally risks feeding extremism, destabilizing Gulf security, and eroding its own strategic influence.