Ehud Barak Accuses Netanyahu of Alliance with Qatar

Former Prime Minister and Defense Minister Ehud Barak has launched a strong attack against current Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, urging opposition leaders to seize what he described as a "clear shift in the political map" to bring about a change in government. In an interview with Channel 12, Barak implored opposition leaders to act decisively and without fear, advocating for the "change bloc" to take the reins, pass basic laws, repeal judicial reform legislation, and replace the Knesset speaker. He asserted that Netanyahu "must leave the stage" and that a minority government could pass in the Knesset, establishing a new government.

Barak suggested opposition leaders consider what Netanyahu would do in a reversed situation, referencing Mansour Abbas's past visits to the Prime Minister's residence and predicting he could be part of a future cabinet. Barak explicitly rejected any possibility of a national unity government with Netanyahu, characterizing calls for unity as an evasion of responsibility. He accused Netanyahu of fleeing a state inquiry for three years and being the "central architect of the massacre," demanding an immediate state commission of inquiry as the first step for any alternative government.

On security and diplomatic matters, Barak argued that actions against Iran should translate into long-term political achievements, not just statements. He called for a "normal and sane government for the people of Israel." A significant portion of Barak's criticism focused on security issues surrounding the Prime Minister's office during the war, which he deemed a severe security risk. He made serious accusations regarding Qatari involvement within the Prime Minister's residence, claiming that "agents who receive money from Qatar" were present and leaking intelligence that endangered lives to manipulate public opinion. Barak concluded that "Netanyahu is in an alliance with Qatar and it is helping him."

Barak urged the opposition to take active steps, stating, "There is no chance of unity with such a person." He criticized Netanyahu's past actions, including promoting crypto economics and publishing a map of Tel Aviv, and stressed the opposition leaders' duty to "form a government quickly and fulfill the will of the voters." The article also notes Barak's post-political career in the business world, co-founding the cyber company Paragon, which was acquired for approximately $900 million in December 2024 and is reportedly nearing a Wall Street listing. The long and complex relationship between Barak and Netanyahu, spanning from their service in Sayeret Matkal to bitter political rivalry and periods of cooperation, was also detailed.