Archive · 28 Jul 2026
Bennett Vows to Declare Qatar Enemy State
Naftali Bennett, a former Israeli prime minister, has promised to declare Qatar an 'enemy state' if he becomes prime minister again.
He accuses Qatar of funding a group in Iran and supporting Hamas, which attacked Israel on October 7.
Qatar says these claims are false and that Israeli politicians should focus on their own problems.
Qatar is also a mediator in the region and hosts a big American military base.
Israel and Qatar have had tense relations, especially after Israel attacked a place in Qatar, killing some Hamas members and a Qatari security person.
Naftali Bennett vows to declare Qatar an 'enemy state' if he becomes PM again.
Bennett accuses Qatar of funding Iran's IRGC and supporting Hamas.
Qatar denies allegations, calling them disinformation for political gain.
Qatar is a key mediator in regional conflicts and hosts the largest American military base in West Asia.
Tensions between Israel and Qatar have escalated, including an Israeli airstrike in Doha.
- Who
- Naftali Bennett, former Israeli PM and current opposition leader; Qatar, Gulf country.
- What
- Bennett vows to declare Qatar an 'enemy state' if he becomes PM again.
- When
- During the ongoing West Asia war and post-October 7 Hamas attack.
- Where
- Israel and Qatar.
- Why
- Bennett accuses Qatar of funding IRGC and supporting Hamas, while Qatar denies and calls for focus on domestic issues.
Naftali Bennett's Stance
Qatar's Response
Qatar's Role in Funding IRGC
Naftali Bennett's Stance
Bennett accuses Qatar of funding Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and supporting Hamas.
Qatar's Response
Qatar denies these allegations, calling them disinformation aimed at political gain.
Qatar's Mediation Role
Naftali Bennett's Stance
Bennett views Qatar as a hostile actor due to its support for Hamas and alleged anti-Semitic activities.
Qatar's Response
Qatar emphasizes its role as a mediator in regional conflicts and its contributions to securing ceasefires.
- Naftali Bennett
- Former Israeli Prime Minister (2021-2022), current opposition leader.
- Qatar
- Gulf country accused by Israel of supporting Hamas and IRGC.
- Hamas
- Palestinian militant group based in Gaza, hosted by Qatar since 2012.
- October 7 Attack
- Hamas attack on Israel resulting in approximately 1,200 Israeli deaths.
- Qatargate Scandal
- Allegations of Israeli officials taking money to improve Qatar's image post-October 7 attack.
- Al Udeid Air Base
- Largest American military base in West Asia, located in Qatar.
- Abraham Accords
- Agreements to normalize relations between Israel and some Arab states; Qatar has not joined.