Bennett Challenges Netanyahu to Declare Qatar an Enemy

Former Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett publicly challenged incumbent Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Thursday, demanding he declare Qatar an enemy state and remove individuals linked to the country from his office.

In a post on X, Bennett accused Netanyahu of exploiting the Qatar issue to create political unrest during an ongoing probe into suspected foreign interference in Israel’s elections. He called on Israeli authorities to investigate the allegations swiftly and thoroughly.

Bennett alleged that Netanyahu has repeatedly refused to declare Qatar an enemy, despite having advisors who have been proven to receive substantial funding from Qatar during the conflict. He claimed these individuals continue to act in Qatar’s interests from within the government.

Bennett accused Netanyahu of raising the Qatar issue only when it served his political agenda, warning that the move risks undermining public confidence in the democratic process. He urged the General Security Service and the Central Elections, Committee to act quickly to uncover the truth.

The controversy follows orders from the Central Elections Committee chair, Justice Noam Sohlberg, for the Shin Bet to investigate suspicions of improper foreign influence in Israeli elections. The agency is expected to report its findings within a week.

Netanyahu has labeled the situation an 'earthquake,' alleging foreign entities interfered in the elections to support Arab parties. Arab political leaders have rejected the claims, with some accusing Netanyahu of using the allegations to target Arab parties and challenge the election results.