Netanyahu Defends Gaza Policies and Bombing of Qatar Ahead of Elections
By Editor • September 6, 2026 • 2 min read
In a bold statement, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has openly discussed his military actions against Qatar, asserting that the Gulf nation remains a "hostile" entity as tensions escalate ahead of Israel's upcoming elections.
During an interview with i24NEWS, which he later shared on social media, Netanyahu recounted his military strikes against Qatar, claiming, "I attacked Qatar, I also bombed it… and they attacked me." His comments come just before the one-year anniversary of a controversial bombing in Doha that resulted in the deaths of five Hamas members and a Qatari security officer amid discussions about a ceasefire proposal.
International Backlash and Condemnation
The bombing in September 2025 drew sharp criticism from Qatar, which labeled the attack a "blatant violation of all international laws and norms." Qatari officials expressed outrage, with Majed al-Ansari describing the strike as "cowardly." The incident has sparked condemnation from other nations in the region, including Iran and Pakistan, prompting a swift show of solidarity from neighboring countries like Jordan, the UAE, and Saudi Arabia.
Qatar's Role and Allegations of Terror Funding
Netanyahu also defended the facilitation of Qatari funds to Gaza, emphasizing that the financial support was strictly for humanitarian purposes, based on recommendations from Israeli security agencies. He downplayed the significance of these funds, stating, "All this money is worth 2 percent – 2 percent of all the money that entered the Strip." In response to accusations that these funds helped Hamas prepare for its October 2023 attack on Israel, Qatari officials have firmly denied such claims, asserting that their aid was transparently managed and monitored.
As the political landscape heats up with elections scheduled for October 27, Netanyahu faces increasing scrutiny over his government's response to the Gaza conflict, economic issues, and relations with Iran. Analysts suggest that his recent remarks may be aimed at galvanizing nationalist support in the face of mounting domestic challenges.
Source: www.aljazeera.com
