Yoel Guzansky
Jerusalem Post, Nov. 1, 2023
“Israel will need to take direct action, and through the United States, disrupt the relationship between Hamas and Qatar, and the Qatari motivation to fund the organization. Qatar is very sensitive to its international image and status, and it can be targeted by linking it to Hamas and its crimes.”
One of the challenges facing Israel in the past two years, and even more so now, is the policy it should adopt toward Qatar. Qatar supports the “civil” activities of Hamas in Gaza and hosts senior Hamas leaders in its territory. Qatar also provides diplomatic and financial support to the terror organization, and aids its propaganda through the Al Jazeera network that it owns.
Qatar’s actions are detrimental to essential Israeli interests while serving other interests. It is important to remember that Qatar’s aid to Hamas throughout the years received tacit approval from Israel, which was willing to turn a blind eye to the dangerous calm it bought with Qatari money.
Qatar’s connections and influence on Hamas have helped Israel in the past, and they currently have the potential to assist in the issue of the Israeli hostages in Gaza. In fact, the head of the National Security Council, Tzachi Hanegbi, acknowledged that “Qatar is becoming a central player in attempting to solve humanitarian issues, and its efforts in returning the captives are critical at this stage.”
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