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The Qatari government has responded to intercepted voice calls from the Israeli Prime Minister criticizing Qatar for its handling of ceasefire negotiations between Israel and Hamas militants.
In leaked tapes from a meeting between Netanyahu and the families of detainees in Tel Aviv on Tuesday, he reportedly called Qatar’s mediation between Hamas and Israel “problematic.”
Netanyahu also claimed that Qatar funds Hamas, an accusation that the Gulf state has repeatedly denied.
“Qatar, from my point of view, is no different in essence than the United Nations… and the Red Cross, [Qatar] is even more problematic,” Netanyahu is heard telling the families in the leaked recording.
He added that he was willing to speak to anyone who would help return the captives.
“I have no illusions about them. They have leverage [over Hamas]… Because [Qatar] funds them,” Netanyahu added.
In the audio, Netanyahu also reportedly criticized the United States for extending its military presence at Qatar’s Al Udeid Air Base, the region’s largest, for another ten years.
According to the leaked recording, Netanyahu became “very angry recently with the Americans” because of their decision. He further stated that using the transaction as leverage “would apply pressure” on Qatar.
“Instead of concerning himself with Qatar’s strategic relations with the United States, we hope Netanyahu decides to operate in good faith and concentrate on the release of the hostages,” Al Ansari said.
The remarks came despite Qatar’s critical mediation efforts to free Israeli and foreign hostages held by Hamas in Gaza since their arrest on October 7, 2023 – an attack that Israel has long exploited to legitimize its horrific war.
If what’s being reported is true, “the Israeli PM would only be obstructing and undermining the mediation process, for reasons that appear to serve his political career.” Majed Al Ansari, Qatar’s foreign ministry spokesperson, said on X.
“We are appalled by the alleged remarks attributed to the Israeli Prime Minister in various media reports about Qatar’s mediation role. These remarks, if validated, are irresponsible and destructive to the efforts to save innocent lives, but are not surprising,”
Al Ansari highlighted Qatar’s successful mediation with Egypt last year, which resulted in a short truce that lasted from November 24 to December 1.
While the talks appear to have stalled due to Israel’s nonstop airstrikes and ground invasion of Gaza, where Israel has killed over 25,000 Palestinians, Al Ansari stated that “Qatar has been engaged in regular dialogue with the negotiating parties, including Israeli institutions.”
“If the reported remarks are found to be true, the Israeli PM would only be obstructing and undermining the mediation process, for reasons that appear to serve his political career instead of prioritising saving innocent lives, including Israeli hostages,” Al Ansari added.
Hamas established its political office in Qatar in 2012 in response to the United States’ desire for a channel of communication, allowing Doha to successfully arbitrate between the disputing parties on many occasions, resulting in critically needed ceasefires.
Qatar, a prominent non-NATO U.S. allies and France also managed to strike a compromise on January 12 to allow the transfer of aid and medications to the remaining hostages and civilians in Gaza.
