Gadi Eizenkot Criticizes Naftali Bennett’s Plan to Declare Qatar an Enemy State

Gadi Eizenkot, chairman of the Yisrael party, sharply criticized former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett’s recent announcement to declare Qatar an enemy state. Bennett accused Qatar of responsibility for the October 7 terror attack, claiming the country funded the attack and hosts terrorist leaders in Doha. However, Eizenkot dismissed Bennett’s move as a political gimmick, stating during a visit to Nir Oz that such a declaration should be a serious decision, not an election campaign statement.

Eizenkot also took aim at Yair Golan, chairman of the Democratic Party, suggesting there are more experienced candidates suitable for the defense minister role. During his visit to Nir Oz, Eizenkot unveiled a draft proposal for establishing a state commission of inquiry into the October 7 massacre. He criticized Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government for avoiding responsibility and delaying the formation of such a commission nearly three years after the attack.

The proposed commission would investigate decisions made by political, military, and civilian authorities from the end of Operation Protective Edge until October 7, 2023. The draft, based on a public initiative by captive survivor Gadi Mozes and former National Security Council legal advisor Gil Avriel, recommends appointing the commission under the State Commission of Inquiry Law, with its composition determined after consultations with senior state officials.

Bennett’s declaration last week accused Qatar of celebrating the terror attack and refusing to condemn it. He vowed not to be bought with money and insisted Qatar is an enemy state. Eizenkot’s response highlights internal political divisions over how to address Qatar’s alleged role and the broader accountability for the October 7 events.