Full coverage· Politics· Updated 29 Oct, 14:58

Qatar Denies Israeli Election Interference Claims

Qatar has strongly denied accusations of interfering in the recent Israeli Knesset elections, calling the claims a disinformation campaign orchestrated by certain Israeli politicians and media outlets. Majed Al-Ansari, the spokesperson for the Qatari Ministry of Foreign Affairs, stated on Thursday that Doha has not funded any activities to influence the vote. He mocked the allegations, noting that Qatar has been accused of buying Benjamin Netanyahu, the Israeli left, and now the Arab vote, sarcastically suggesting that if these claims were believed, Qatar would own all of Israel.

7 newsrooms · 4 languages · since 29 Oct, 13:57

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What happened

01Qatar vehemently denied allegations of funding activities to influence the Knesset elections, calling the claims a disinformation campaign.
02The Likud party labeled the alleged foreign interference a "terror attack on democracy" following a letter from Judge Solberg to the Shin Bet.
03The Shin Bet is investigating suspicions of foreign interference, including alleged Qatari funds transferred to an organization linked to the Ra'am party.
04Bezalel Smotrich demanded an investigation into Arab party leaders, while Itamar Ben-Gvir called for arrests over the allegations.
05Qatari spokesperson Majed Al-Ansari mocked the claims, stating that critics accuse Qatar of buying Benjamin Netanyahu, the left, and the Arab vote.
06Al-Ansari stated that the accusations will not halt Doha's regional mediation efforts or its diplomatic and humanitarian activities.
07The Central Elections Committee stated that the elections were conducted lawfully with no evidence of systematic damage.

The Qatari denial follows a Shin Bet investigation into potential foreign interference, including allegations of Qatari funds being transferred to an organization linked to the Ra'am party. Preliminary election results project that Ra'am will gain an additional mandate. Following a letter from Judge Solberg to the head of the Shin Bet, the Likud party labeled the alleged interference a "terror attack on democracy." Bezalel Smotrich demanded an investigation into Arab party leaders, Itamar Ben-Gvir called for arrests, and Avigdor Lieberman warned of a dramatic and unprecedented event.

Al-Ansari described the accusations as ridiculous and dangerous, stating they reflect an exaggerated obsession with Qatar. He asserted that Doha will not serve as a scapegoat for Israeli political failures and urged Israeli politicians to focus on their constituents and domestic issues. He emphasized that Qatar's mediation efforts and diplomatic activities will not be halted by these claims, while noting that any future government in Jerusalem must adhere to international law and address the Palestinian issue.

Summarized by baba from the reports of 7 newsrooms. Updated 08:57