Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has publicly singled out Qatar, accusing the Gulf state of playing a destabilising role in the ongoing Gaza conflict, Al Jazeera reported. The statements were made during a televised address in which Netanyahu highlighted what he described as Qatar's financial and political support for Hamas, the militant group that controls the Gaza Strip.
The remarks come at a time when Israel's military campaign in Gaza is facing heightened international scrutiny. Various human rights organisations and United Nations bodies have called for investigations into possible violations of international humanitarian law, including allegations of indiscriminate attacks on civilian infrastructure. Critics argue that Netanyahu's focus on Qatar is intended to divert attention from these investigations.
Al Jazeera noted that Qatar has long positioned itself as a mediator in regional disputes and has hosted talks between Hamas and other parties. While Doha denies providing material support to the militant group, Israeli officials have repeatedly asserted that Qatari funding reaches Hamas networks. The Israeli government has previously sanctioned Qatari individuals and entities linked to the conflict.
Political analysts cited by the outlet suggest that the timing of Netanyahu's accusations aligns with mounting diplomatic pressure on Israel, including calls for a cease‑fire and for accountability over civilian casualties. By attributing responsibility to an external actor, the prime minister may be seeking to reinforce a narrative that frames the war as a response to external interference rather than internal conduct.
The report also referenced statements from regional observers who warned that such rhetoric could further polarise the already strained relations between Israel and Gulf states. While Qatar maintains diplomatic ties with Israel, the latest accusations could strain cooperation on issues such as energy and security.
Overall, Al Jazeera presented Netanyahu's targeting of Qatar as part of a broader strategy to manage both domestic and international criticism of Israel's actions in Gaza, without providing new evidence to substantiate the claims against the Qatari government.
Reporting attribution: based on reporting by Al Jazeera — All News — original source: https://www.aljazeera.com/video/newsfeed/2026/9/29/netanyahu-targets-qatar-to-deflect-from-gaza-war?traffic_source=rss.