‘Qatar more dangerous than Iran; will declare it enemy state'

Tel Aviv: Former Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett has intensified his attack on Qatar, declaring it poses a greater threat to Israel than Iran and pledging to officially designate it an "enemy state" if he returns to power in this year's elections.

Speaking on Israel's Channel 12 programme Meet the Press, Bennett accused Qatar of financing Hamas fighters involved in the October 7, 2023, attack and alleged that the Qatari-owned Al Jazeera network serves as a key platform for anti-Israel propaganda. He also claimed Doha is seeking to expand its influence in American universities.

Bennett further suggested that Qatari influence had reached the Israeli Prime Minister's Office, referring to the ongoing "Qatargate" investigation, which alleges that some aides to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu acted in Qatar's interests. He also claimed that certain research institutions, influential figures and even officials in Israel could be receiving Qatari funding.

Reiterating his hardline position on Gaza, Bennett insisted that no concessions should be made until Hamas is completely disarmed. He alleged that the group has rebuilt its ranks beyond pre-October 2023 levels and is smuggling drones and weapons through Egypt.

Qatar has rejected Bennett's allegations, with its embassy in the United States dismissing his remarks as politically motivated misinformation.

Bennett, who leads the opposition alliance together with Yair Lapid, said removing Netanyahu's government is his foremost political objective and pledged to build a broad coalition spanning Zionist right-wing and left-wing parties, as well as religious and secular groups. Recent surveys, however, suggest neither bloc is on course to secure a parliamentary majority.