Israel’s September 7 drone attack in Doha, Qatar, apparently aimed at killing top Hamas leaders, was not just another strike in a region where Israeli aggression has become routine. The location made it extraordinary: The capital city of the major United States ally mediating the ceasefire talks between Israel and Hamas. Yet in its intent and effect, the attack echoed Israel’s familiar pattern of using assassinations and military force to derail negotiations and block any path to peaceful coexistence.

Israel has long disregarded international law, struck targets across the region, assassinated Palestinian and other leaders who resist it, and collapsed ceasefire or peace negotiations with its Palestinian foes, always in the name of protecting its security. In 1948, members of the Israeli Stern Gang assassinated the first UN mediator, Count Folke Bernadotte. Since then, Israel has killed dozens of Palestinian, Lebanese, and other leaders who opposed its occupation, apartheid policies, and military aggression – but rather than weakening its enemies, such assassinations have only strengthened resistance to Israel’s rule and actions.

The Doha attack is a continuation of this history. Over the past 22 months, Israel has aborted every serious discussion of a ceasefire, sometimes after securing the........

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