Contrary to Bennett: Eisenkot addresses whether Qatar is an enemy state
During a conference, the chairman of the "Yashar!" party was asked about his position on Qatar, presenting a line different from that of Naftali Bennett. Eisenkot clarified that Qatar is not legally defined as such, comparing the relationship to the complexity regarding Turkey: "It carries out very negative activity, but trade is still maintained with it."
Disagreement in the political system regarding the appropriate attitude toward Qatar: former IDF Chief of Staff and chairman of the "Yashar!" party, Gadi Eisenkot, clarified that he opposes defining Qatar as an enemy state. This is in contrast to the stated position of former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett, who recently promised to work toward defining it as such.
During a conference, a participant from the audience asked Eisenkot about his position on the matter. In response, Eisenkot said:
"I am the last person to defend Qatar – I have no connection with any Qatari, except for that prince who studied with me in the US. But as a matter of fact, Qatar is not currently defined as an enemy state. It does indeed carry out very negative activity against the State of Israel, but it is a complex situation. Turkey also takes a very negative line toward Israel, and yet trade relations are still maintained with it."
Eisenkot's remarks come against the backdrop of the ongoing public and political storm surrounding Doha's role in the region, the funding it transferred to the Gaza Strip over the years, and its involvement in managing negotiations for hostage deals. While figures in the political system are calling to cut ties and declare the principality an enemy state in every respect, Eisenkot presents a more cautious and nuanced approach.
