Former Israeli PM Bennett and Qatar Exchange Sharp Accusations Over October 7 Attacks

Former Israeli Prime Minister and chairman of the Yachad party, Naftali Bennett, and Qatar engaged in a rare public confrontation following Bennett's statement that he would declare Qatar an enemy state if elected prime minister. The dispute escalated after Qatar's media attaché in the United States, Ali Al-Ansari, condemned Bennett's remarks as deliberate misinformation aimed at advancing his political ambitions. Al-Ansari defended Qatar's role, emphasizing its recognized efforts to maintain stability, provide humanitarian aid to Gaza, and coordinate hostage release efforts with Israel. He urged Israeli politicians to focus on domestic issues rather than attacking Qatar.

In response, Bennett accused Qatar of being responsible for the October 7 massacre, alleging that Qatar financed the attacks and continues to host terrorist leaders in Doha. He claimed Qatar never condemned the massacre but instead celebrated the killing and rape of Israeli civilians. Bennett declared, "Qatar is an enemy, and we will declare it as such." He further accused Qatar of funding Iran's Revolutionary Guards and investing billions in U.S. universities to incite anti-Israel sentiment.

Bennett vowed that if he returns to power, he will remove Qatar's influence from Gaza and direct Israeli intelligence and military agencies to counter Qatar's infiltration into Israel. He described Qatar as an "anti-Semitic cancer" linked directly to Iran, which he called the "head of the octopus," spreading malign influence across the West and even into Israel's prime minister's office. The confrontation follows Bennett's announcement that Qatar's involvement in regional conflicts and support for terrorism make it a hostile actor against Israel.