Naftali Bennett Qatar remarks have drawn attention after the former Israeli prime minister said he would immediately declare Qatar an enemy state if he returns to power. Bennett also accused Doha of supporting groups hostile to Israel, allegations that were presented as his claims.
Speaking in Tel Aviv, Bennett said that during his time as Israel’s prime minister he was informed that Qatar was providing financial support to Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and Hamas. He did not present evidence for the allegations in his public remarks.
The former premier also claimed that Qatar had invested billions of dollars in American universities to influence younger generations. According to Bennett, this investment contributed to the spread of slogans and views that he believes are hostile to Israel.
Bennett further alleged that Qatar’s influence extends beyond universities and reaches Western countries as well as the Israeli prime minister’s office. He claimed that the objective of such influence was to weaken and ultimately destroy Israel.
He stated that if he is elected prime minister again, one of his first decisions would be to officially designate Qatar as an enemy state. The comments reflect his proposed foreign policy approach should he return to office.
Naftali Bennett previously served as a senior member of Benjamin Netanyahu’s political camp and worked as Netanyahu’s chief of staff before later forming his own political path. He served as Israel’s prime minister from 2021 to 2022.
Qatar has previously rejected allegations of supporting terrorism, stating that its regional engagement and mediation efforts are aimed at promoting diplomacy and humanitarian initiatives. Bennett’s latest remarks add to ongoing political debate over regional security and Middle East relations.
