Former Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett has said he would formally designate Qatar as an “enemy state” if he returns to power, claiming the Gulf nation now poses a greater threat to Israel than Iran.
In an interview with Israel’s Channel 12, Bennett argued that Israel’s failure to classify Qatar as an enemy state was an “unforgivable mistake.”
He claimed that while Iran openly declares its hostility toward Israel, Qatar has played a more damaging role by allegedly financing the Nukhba force that carried out the October 7, 2023 attack. Bennett also accused Qatar-funded broadcaster Al Jazeera of conducting what he described as a sustained campaign of hostile propaganda against Israel.
The former prime minister further alleged that Qatar has expanded its influence within US universities and claimed its reach has extended into key Israeli institutions, including the Prime Minister’s Office.
According to Bennett, Qatar is working against Israel’s interests and attempting to weaken the country from within. His remarks reflect his personal political position and have not been accompanied by publicly presented evidence supporting the allegations. Qatar has previously rejected accusations of supporting terrorism and has maintained that its regional role focuses on diplomacy and mediation.
