Eisenkot to Bennett: 'Decisions on Qatar are not a political trick'

Yashar party chairman Gadi Eisenkot, speaking at a press conference at Kibbutz Nir Oz, responded to a statement by Be-Yahad bloc leader Naftali Bennett, who promised to declare Qatar a hostile state. Eisenkot acknowledged Qatar's role against Israel but stressed that decisions should be made after consultations with Mossad, Shin Bet, and the Foreign Ministry, not as a political trick.

Yashar party chairman Gadi Eisenkot spoke at a press conference at Kibbutz Nir Oz, commenting on a statement by Be-Yahad bloc leader Naftali Bennett. Bennett promised that if he wins the election, he would officially declare Qatar a hostile state. Eisenkot said he fully recognizes the role Qatar plays against Israel – in Gaza and in international activities. He stressed that Israel should consider and make decisions on its policy toward Qatar, consulting with Mossad, Shin Bet, and the Foreign Ministry. In his words, this should not become a political trick, especially from those who held key positions – defense minister, prime minister – and could make decisions. Eisenkot added that he says this as someone who knows the topic closely from cabinet security meetings.