Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu defends aides accused of receiving funding from Qatar, stating the Gulf nation is “not an enemy state.” He points out that many in Israel, including political rivals, have praised Qatar for its diplomatic role. His remarks highlight complexities in political perceptions of Qatar, especially following accusations in the ongoing Qatargate investigation.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has responded to allegations concerning his aides supposedly receiving funding from Qatar, asserting that Qatar should not be regarded as an enemy state. In a video released on Wednesday, Netanyahu described Qatar as a “complex” nation rather than a straightforward adversary.
Netanyahu defended his aides, contending that accusations against them were unfounded, as many individuals in Israel, including political adversaries and intelligence officials, have praised Qatar. His comments followed his criticism of police for allegedly detaining two of his aides in connection with the Qatargate investigation.
One aide, Jonatan Urich, has been arrested, and Netanyahu expressed strong support for him, emphasizing his commitment to his role as a political advisor in the Likud party and highlighting Urich’s lack of access to classified intel. Netanyahu raised a notable example of Opposition Leader Yair Lapid, who lauded Qatar for facilitating hostage discussions following a meeting with a senior official in Paris.
Additionally, Netanyahu noted that National Unity party chairman Benny Gantz has frequently praised Qatar and previously traveled there for business ventures. He also mentioned that Shin Bet chief Ronen Bar has visited Qatar multiple times during negotiations and attended the 2022 World Cup as a guest of Qatar, further complicating the perception of the Gulf nation in Israeli politics.
In summary, Netanyahu’s defense of his aides and the characterization of Qatar as “not an enemy state” reflects a broader complexity in Israeli-Qatar relations. His remarks highlight political nuances, as both allies and rivals in his country have openly acknowledged Qatar’s role in various diplomatic engagements. This context underscores the intricate dynamics of Middle Eastern geopolitics and the interwoven relationships among political figures.
Original Source: www.presstv.ir
