Qatar Rejects Netanyahu's Claims of Influence Campaign Against Israel

Qatar on Friday rejected Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's accusations that it is conducting an influence campaign against Israel. Majed Al-Ansari, spokesperson for Qatar's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, stated that Netanyahu is attempting to divert attention from his government's policies and their humanitarian consequences.

Netanyahu had alleged in a speech at the UN General Assembly that Qatar funds universities and media outlets, including Al Jazeera, to sway Western public opinion, particularly among youth, and increase hostility towards Israel. He also pointed out that Qatar hosts senior Hamas officials.

In response, the Qatari Foreign Ministry spokesperson "categorically rejected" the claim of an influence campaign. He argued that attributing shifts in global public opinion, especially among young people, to such campaigns underestimates their ability to form opinions based on observed events. The spokesperson suggested that if Netanyahu and other Israeli politicians wish to improve global perceptions of Israel, they should change their policies and respect international law, rather than seeking "scapegoats."

He further asserted that the repeated attacks on Qatar also serve internal political interests within Israel.