Qatar's PM Calls Israeli Accusations Absurd, Blames Netanyahu

Qatar's Prime Minister, Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, vehemently denied allegations of bribery or infiltration into the Israeli government during an interview with CNN, dismissing them as "absurd." He stated that such accusations, dubbed "Qatargate," would represent Qatar's worst possible investment. Al Thani asserted that the Israeli government, particularly under Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, has repeatedly undermined Qatari efforts towards ceasefires and hostage releases.

Al Thani criticized both Netanyahu and former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett, accusing them of using Qatar as a "scapegoat" for political gain ahead of elections. He recalled that Bennett's government had previously praised Qatar's contributions to Gaza, making his current accusations unacceptable. The Qatari leader suggested that Israel's political figures are exploiting Qatar to advance their own agendas.

Furthermore, Al Thani claimed that the Netanyahu government has a "long list of violations" concerning the Sharm El Sheikh agreement in Gaza, arguing that Netanyahu is the primary obstacle to peace plan progress. He contrasted this with Qatar's consistent efforts to mediate conflicts and achieve resolutions in the region.

In addition to addressing the accusations, Al Thani reported "positive progress" in indirect talks between the United States and Iran. He suggested that Qatar has become a target for those seeking regional escalation because it is the only nation actively trying to de-escalate conflicts.