At a meeting of the Political Security Cabinet on Wednesday evening, the ministers are expected to discuss Israel's attitude toward Qatar, following remarks written by National Security Council head Tzachi Hanegbi.
Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Ahmed Al Thani, speaking at the United Nations, photo: Getty Images
Earlier today, Naftali Bennett attacked the Gulf state after Hanegbi's praise for its involvement in the negotiations for the release of the hostages. "Qatar is not an 'essential partner for humanitarian and diplomatic operations,'" he wrote on Facebook. In addition, a number of ministers are expected to examine the issue of fuel held by Hamas.
Recall that the head of the National Security Council wrote an unusual tweet on Network X in which he complimented Qatar on its efforts. At the same time, the prime minister of the Gulf emirate claimed that there is some progress in the negotiations. "I am pleased to say that Qatar is becoming a vital actor and a stakeholder in providing humanitarian solutions. Qatar's diplomatic efforts are vital at this time," Hanegbi tweeted.
Hanegbi's positive remarks contrast with Foreign Minister Eli Cohen's criticism of Qatar yesterday at a meeting of the UN Security Council. The Israeli minister told the Security Council that "Qatar funds and protects Hamas leaders, and can influence and enable the immediate and unconditional release of the abductees held by the terrorists." Cohen added: "You, members of the international community, should demand that Qatar do just that."
I'm pleased to say that Qatar is becoming an essential party and stakeholder in the facilitation of humanitarian solutions.
Qatar's diplomatic efforts are crucial at this time.
— Tzachi Hanegbi • Tzachi Hanegbi (@Tzachi_Hanegbi) October 25, 2023
His remarks were broadcast on Al-Jazeera, which is very popular in the Arab world and is owned by the Qatari government. Cabinet ministers said they did not know what was behind Hanegbi's praise for the Qataris and intended to investigate.
There was also criticism in the United States of Hanegbi's praise. Richard Golberg, a senior researcher at the Institute for the Defense of Democracy (FDD), wrote that "Hamas and Qatar are successfully leveraging the hostages on Washington to leverage them over Israel. Netanyahu has fully embraced the American-Qatari axis. This is a significant development."
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