Gadi Eisenkot Urges Serious Decision on Qatar, Criticizes Bennett's Political Gimmick

Gadi Eisenkot, chairman of the Yisrael Resilience Party, addressed remarks made by Naftali Bennett, leader of the Yamina party, regarding Qatar. Speaking at a press conference in Nir Oz on Wednesday, Eisenkot agreed with the criticism of Qatar's role against Israel, particularly in Gaza and international arenas. However, he criticized Bennett's proposal to immediately declare Qatar an enemy state if elected prime minister, calling it a political gimmick rather than a serious policy decision.

Eisenkot emphasized that Israel must carefully evaluate its policy toward Qatar in consultation with intelligence agencies such as Mossad, the Shin Bet, and the National Security Council. He stated, "This should be a serious decision, not an election statement. Qatar plays a very negative role against Israel." His comments came after Bennett pledged to sharply and clearly declare Qatar an enemy state upon becoming prime minister, describing Qatar as an "violent antisemitic cancer" that spreads its influence even to the Israeli prime minister's office.

In response, the Qatari embassy in the United States issued a strong statement condemning Bennett's remarks as based on false information and politically motivated. The embassy said, "We condemn Bennett's statements, which deliberately spread false information about Qatar in an attempt to advance his political ambitions." The exchange highlights rising tensions over Qatar's involvement in regional affairs and its relations with Israel amid the upcoming elections.