Arab Israeli Lawmaker Visited Qatar Days Before Election, Praised After

Member of Knesset Ahmad Tibi visited Doha, Qatar, on the Sunday preceding the recent Knesset elections, giving an interview to Al Jazeera two days before the vote. In the interview, Tibi framed increased Arab voter turnout as a strategy to unseat Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government. He stated, "This time the elections are dangerous and fateful. We want to topple Benjamin Netanyahu, Ben-Gvir and Smotrich and clear the way for an alternative government." Tibi estimated that the Joint List party was close to securing a tenth seat and claimed that a 70% turnout among Arab voters would be sufficient to defeat Netanyahu. He also cautioned that disputes among Arab parties could negatively impact voter participation. Tibi further mentioned that agreements had been reached with the United Arab List (Ra'am) on a code of honor and a surplus agreement. Regarding future Knesset actions, he indicated that Arab parties were working to replace the current Knesset speaker and support the opposition's candidate for the role.

Following the elections, former Qatari Prime Minister Hamad bin Jassim bin Jaber Al Thani posted on X (formerly Twitter) praising the achievements of Arab parties, which collectively won 19 seats. "I want to commend the important progress achieved by the Arab factions in the recent elections in Israel, as the number of Arab seats in the Knesset rose to 19, the largest number of seats held by Arab factions to date," he wrote. "This strengthens hope among Palestinian citizens in the areas of '48 to preserve their rights, strengthen their status, and live in peace in their land." He specifically congratulated Tibi "for his confidence, his struggle, and his great determination to ensure Arab rights in the areas of '48," adding that he was impressed by Tibi's courage in response to Israeli figures who opposed the formation of a Palestinian electoral bloc that could influence the Knesset's balance of power.

Knesset Member Tally Gottlieb questioned Tibi's visit to Qatar, asking, "Ahmad Tibi, supporter of terrorists and eulogizer of martyrs, one who does not recognize a Jewish state. Welcome. What were you doing in Qatar on the eve of the elections? The State of Israel in the Land of Israel, the inheritance of the fathers, is very interested in knowing." The visit and subsequent praise are drawing attention amid suspicions of foreign funding and election bribery, which the Shin Bet (Israel Security Agency) was ordered to investigate. However, the article notes there is no evidence linking Tibi's visit or the former prime minister's remarks to the transfer of funds or any election offenses.