Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu issued a formal apology to Qatar during a White House visit on Monday. This apology was in response to a recent Israeli military strike that targeted Hamas officials in Qatar, which angered Arab leaders and drew rare criticism from the United States.

While meeting with President Donald Trump, Netanyahu expressed regret for the strike that unintentionally killed a Qatari serviceman. The White House stated that Netanyahu acknowledged Israel's violation of Qatari sovereignty and assured that such actions would not occur again in the future.

The meeting coincided with the release of a U.S. peace plan aimed at ending the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict and establishing governance in Gaza. Netanyahu indicated that Israel would consider the 20-point proposal, which includes a temporary governing board led by Trump and former British Prime Minister Tony Blair. However, it remains unclear whether Hamas will accept the plan.

The proposal calls for an immediate ceasefire and the release of all hostages within 72 hours of Israel's acceptance. It also stipulates that the war will end if both parties agree to the terms. Trump emphasized that Israel would have the full backing of the U.S. to defeat Hamas if the group does not accept the deal.

Netanyahu's apology comes at a critical time as Israel faces increasing isolation and a fragile governing coalition. The White House has shown signs of impatience, raising questions about whether Trump will apply more pressure on Israel to de-escalate the conflict.

During the press conference, Trump expressed confidence in reaching a deal soon, stating, "I am. I’m very confident." The strike on Hamas in Qatar, which occurred on September 9, was seen as a significant escalation that jeopardized ongoing negotiations for a ceasefire.

Qatar condemned the attack as a violation of international laws, while Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates expressed support for Qatar. Despite the apology, Israel's far-right national security minister defended the strike, calling it "an important, just and ethical attack."

Earlier in the day, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt urged both Israel and Hamas to finalize an agreement to end the nearly two-year-old conflict. She noted that a good deal often leaves both sides somewhat dissatisfied but emphasized the need for resolution.

Palestinian officials have expressed readiness to collaborate with Trump and Arab nations to end the war. Riyad Mansour, the Palestinian ambassador to the United Nations, called for immediate action to achieve a just peace.

Trump's relationship with Netanyahu has become more strained recently, particularly following Israel's failed strike on Hamas officials in Qatar. The U.S. president has also opposed the annexation of the West Bank, a proposal supported by some of Netanyahu's hardline allies.

The peace plan does not include the expulsion of Palestinians from Gaza, which Trump had previously suggested. Instead, it calls for the disarmament of Hamas and the establishment of an international security force to oversee law enforcement in postwar Gaza. A Palestinian committee of technocrats would manage civilian affairs, with eventual power transfer to a reformed Palestinian Authority, which Netanyahu has rejected.

Hamas has been briefed on the plan but has not received an official offer from mediators. The group has consistently linked its weapons to the establishment of an independent Palestinian state, complicating the path to peace.