Liberman Accuses Netanyahu of Lying About Qatari Funds to Hamas

Former Israeli Defense Minister Avigdor Liberman has accused Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of spreading falsehoods regarding Qatari funds transferred to Hamas during Liberman's tenure. Netanyahu posted screenshots on social media platform X on Monday, September 21, alleging a secret 2018 meeting in Cyprus between Liberman and the Qatari Foreign Minister, followed by a transfer of Qatari money to Hamas in early 2019 despite alleged opposition from the Prime Minister. Netanyahu captioned the post, "A reminder to those who forgot," referencing events from the 34th Israeli government, which he led.

Liberman vehemently denied the claims, stating, "Yom Kippur has just ended, and Netanyahu is already lying." He attributed the information to former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett, who Liberman said later admitted he was mistaken and apologized for accusing Liberman of being involved with the Qatari money, clarifying that Liberman had actually opposed it. Liberman suggested consulting Zohar Palti, who headed the defense ministry's political-security division at the time and attended the meeting, asserting that Palti took notes and that the meeting's protocol might be held by the defense ministry.

Liberman cited an interview Palti gave to Ynet on July 9, 2024, where Palti recounted Liberman's strong opposition to the transfer of funds to Hamas. Palti described Liberman as confronting the Qatari Foreign Minister and accusing Qatar of supporting terrorism. Liberman concluded by stating that when Netanyahu decided to bring Qatari money to Hamas, he resigned as Defense Minister and warned of a catastrophic policy. Liberman vowed that upon Netanyahu's eventual move to the opposition, his party would establish a state commission of inquiry to address these matters.

Liberman served as Defense Minister from May 30, 2016, to November 18, 2018.