‘Netanyahu’s suitcases of cash’ from Qatar funded Oct 7, says former Israeli PM; Qatar condemns ‘disinformation’

Naftali Bennett, positioning himself as a challenger to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ahead of October elections, has outlined a hardline stance toward Qatar. In statements posted on social media, Bennett declared his intention to designate Qatar as an enemy state, citing allegations that Doha financed Hamas and supported armed groups. He specifically referenced cash transfers to Gaza that occurred under Netanyahu's administration, characterizing them as "Netanyahu's suitcases of cash" and linking Qatari funding to the October 7 attacks.

Bennett's accusations extended beyond Hamas financing. He claimed Qatar funds regional armed groups, including Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, and alleged that the country uses Al Jazeera as a propaganda instrument while building influence through investments in Western universities and institutions. He further criticized Qatar's mediation role in Gaza negotiations, describing Doha's involvement as peripheral.

Qatar's government responded swiftly through its Media Attaché Ali Al-Ansari, who characterized Bennett's statements as deliberate disinformation designed to bolster his domestic political standing. According to Qatar's embassy statement, the country has repeatedly clarified that its previous assistance to Gaza was delivered through mechanisms approved by both Israel and the United Nations, directed toward fuel, public sector salaries, and support for vulnerable populations.

Qatar has served as a mediator between Israel and Hamas alongside Egypt and the United States, facilitating ceasefires, humanitarian access, and exchanges involving Israeli captives and Palestinian prisoners. Bennett's proposed policy would remove Qatar from any future role in Gaza negotiations and authorize Israeli security agencies to take action against what he termed "Qatari infiltration."