Bennett says Qatar a more dangerous enemy to Israel than Iran right now

Former PM Naftali Bennett said in a Channel 12 interview that Qatar is currently a more dangerous enemy to Israel than Iran, citing its funding of October 7 terrorists, Al Jazeera's influence, and alleged access to the PM's office. He vowed to declare Qatar an enemy state if elected. He also commented on Gaza disarmament, saying no concessions until Hamas disarms, and stated his life's mission is to replace Netanyahu.

In an interview aired Saturday on Channel 12's Meet the Press, former prime minister Naftali Bennett, now chairman of the Together party, described Qatar as "more dangerous" to Israel at the moment than Iran. He argued that while Iran openly threatens to destroy Israel, Qatar's influence is more insidious, citing its funding of the Nukhba terrorists of October 7, its operation of Al Jazeera, which he called "the most poisonous cancer hurting us," and its alleged access to the Israeli prime minister's office, an apparent reference to the Qatargate scandal. Bennett vowed that if elected, his government would declare Qatar an enemy state, saying it is "unforgivable" that this is not already the case. He also claimed that many in Israel, including research institutes, influencers, and possibly officials, are on Qatar's payroll. The remarks follow his comments at a security conference on Monday, which drew condemnation from Doha. Bennett also addressed the Gaza disarmament plan, saying he would not give "a millimeter" until Hamas completely disarms, and warned that Hamas is rearming. He reiterated that his "life's mission" is to replace the current government, and noted that he has fallen behind Yashar party chairman Gadi Eisenkot as the main contender to defeat Netanyahu. A recent poll by Zman Yisrael predicts that neither bloc will secure a 61-seat majority.