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 declaration that he intends to designate Qatar as an enemy state. Bennett accused Qatar of financing and harboring terrorist leaders responsible for the October 7 massacre, stating that Qatar never condemned the attack and even celebrated it. However, Eizenkot dismissed Bennett’s move as a political gimmick, emphasizing during a visit to Nir Oz that such a declaration should be a serious decision, not an election slogan.

During the same visit, Eizenkot unveiled a draft proposal for establishing a state commission of inquiry into the October 7 massacre. He condemned the current government led by Benjamin Netanyahu for avoiding accountability nearly three years after the event and called for a thorough investigation into the decisions made by political, military, and civilian authorities from the end of Operation Protective Edge until October 7, 2023. The proposed commission’s composition would be determined according to the State Commission of Inquiry Law, with recommendations for consultation among top judicial and parliamentary officials.

Eizenkot also criticized Yair Golan, chairman of the Democratic Party, suggesting there are more experienced candidates suitable for the role of defense minister. The inquiry proposal is based on a public initiative by Nir Oz resident and former captive Gadi Mozes and former National Security Council legal advisor Gil Avriel. Eizenkot released the draft publicly to build trust and counter narratives accusing the military and government of betrayal on that day.

Bennett’s announcement last week sparked controversy by directly blaming Qatar for the massacre and calling for its formal designation as an enemy state. Eizenkot’s response highlights internal political tensions over how to address the aftermath of the October 7 attacks and the appropriate measures against Qatar.