Netanyahu's Gaza Envoy Met Qatari Official in NYC Before UN Speech Criticizing Doha

Israeli Channel 12 revealed on Saturday evening that Michael Eisenberg, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's personal envoy for Gaza affairs, met with Qatar's representative, Minister Ali Al Thawadi, in New York. The meeting occurred on Wednesday, approximately 24 hours before Netanyahu's address to the UN General Assembly, during which he strongly criticized Qatar.

The discussions focused on implementing the US plan for the Gaza Strip and humanitarian steps Israel committed to undertaking in the territory. The meeting, which lasted about half an hour, also addressed developments in Gaza and mechanisms for executing aspects of the American plan. This meeting followed a "Peace Council" session dedicated to discussing an initial reconstruction plan for Gaza.

Al Thawadi, who serves as Qatar's emir's representative, had previously participated in a call between Netanyahu and the Qatari Prime Minister at the White House a year prior, according to the Israeli report. The revelation of the meeting highlights a clear divergence between the diplomatic efforts concerning Gaza and Israel's public statements towards Qatar.

The day after the New York meeting, Netanyahu accused Qatar during his UN speech of funding a "lie industry" against Israel with billions of dollars. He also alleged that Doha hosts Hamas members involved in the October 7th attacks. Netanyahu described Israel as facing an "eighth front" in the battle for truth in global media and social networks, specifically naming Qatar's investments in American universities and media outlets, including Al Jazeera, as examples of funding "lies."