"Attacking us to gain political points": Qatar's response to Bennett's revelation
The Qatari Embassy in Washington responded to Naftali Bennett's claims regarding Qatar's funding of the IRGC. The Qatari side dismissed the former Prime Minister's remarks as "disinformation" and a bid for political gain.
A day after Naftali Bennett revealed at a national security conference organized by ynet and Yedioth Ahronoth that, while serving as prime minister, he was exposed to intelligence indicating that Qatar funded the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps in Iran, the Qatari side has responded.
In an official statement, the Qatari Embassy in Washington stated:
"Qatar condemns the words of Bennett, who deliberately spread false information about Qatar in an attempt to promote his political ambitions."
At the conference, held in partnership with the Institute for National Security Studies (INSS), Bennett declared:
"If I am elected prime minister, I will immediately declare Qatar an enemy state."
According to him, Qatar is a "violent, antisemitic cancer that sends its metastases throughout the West, even to the office of the Prime Minister of Israel, with the goal of destroying Israel." He added that after October 7, the situation is simple: "Qatar is an enemy."
When asked if Benjamin Netanyahu was also exposed to the information regarding Doha's funding of the Revolutionary Guard, Bennett replied: "Unequivocally." He further alleged that Qatar funded Hamas and Jabhat al-Nusra.
In response, the Qataris stated that their role in supporting regional security and stability has received broad recognition, including efforts to improve the humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip, carried out in coordination with Israeli authorities. They highlighted their role in achieving ceasefires and the release of hostages.
The embassy added:
"This is not the first time that Bennett has attacked Qatar to gain political points in the domestic arena. It would be better for Israeli politicians who criticize Qatar to focus on dealing with their country's internal challenges."
Following this response, Bennett released a video stating:
"Qatar bears responsibility for the October 7 massacre. Qatar funded October 7 and hosts the terrorist leaders in Doha. I will not be bought with money. Qatar is an enemy, and we will declare it an enemy."
