Netanyahu claims responsibility for bombing Qatar, defends Gaza aid transfers

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu claimed responsibility for bombing Qatar during a recent interview, while also defending the transfer of funds to Gaza that he insists were strictly for humanitarian aid. His comments came on Saturday during an interview with Israel’s i24NEWS, where he described Qatar as a “hostile” state and insisted that it does not influence Israeli policy amid ongoing conflict in Gaza.

Netanyahu's remarks are particularly significant as they coincide with the upcoming one-year anniversary of a controversial airstrike on Doha that killed five Hamas members and a Qatari security officer. This strike occurred on September 9, 2025, during discussions about a US-backed ceasefire proposal for Gaza. Qatar condemned the attack as a violation of international law, and its leaders have received support from other regional powers, including Iran and Pakistan. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres also criticized the assault, calling it a “flagrant violation” of Qatar’s sovereignty.

In the same interview, Netanyahu addressed concerns about the millions of dollars in Qatari funds transferred to Gaza, asserting that the money was intended solely for humanitarian purposes. He stated these transactions were conducted under the guidance of Israeli security agencies like Mossad and Shin Bet. Critics, however, allege that some of these funds may have been diverted to support Hamas in planning the October 7, 2023, attack on Israel, which led to escalated military action in Gaza. Qatar has denied these allegations, emphasizing the transparency of their aid process.

As Israel approaches its first general election since the onset of the Gaza conflict, scheduled for October 27, Netanyahu is under pressure from both domestic and international fronts. With the situation in Gaza continuing to dominate headlines and shape public opinion, the prime minister's comments may reflect an attempt to bolster his position among voters while addressing accusations regarding his government's handling of the conflict and humanitarian issues.