Photo: Gil Cohen-Magen / Pool / Reuters
Former Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett has publicly commented for the first time on the QatarGate investigation, a scandal involving the financial ties between Benjamin Netanyahu’s office and Qatar, Cursorinfo reports.
His statement came after it was confirmed that Qatari funds were used to pay the salary of Netanyahu’s defence spokesman, Eli Feldstein.
“Qatar has penetrated the heart of Israel’s security”
Bennett strongly condemned the situation, calling it a direct threat to Israel’s national security.
“Qatar has infiltrated the holy of holies of Israeli security – the Prime Minister’s Office! This morning it emerged that the salary of Netanyahu’s defence adviser was paid by the Qatari government. This is not a rumour – it is a confirmed fact. Instead of firing his spokesperson, Netanyahu is somehow continuing to cover this story and fighting those who are investigating it!” said Bennett.
According to him, after such a scandal, the current government has lost the moral right to govern the country and should resign immediately.
“This incompetent government must resign today so that the Israeli people can elect a new leadership that will rebuild the country!” he added.
Bennett criticises ‘deserter budget’
The former prime minister also expressed his position on the resumption of hostilities in Gaza, saying that he supports this initiative.
However, he categorically condemned the adoption of the so-called “deserter budget”, which provides for bonuses for military service evaders from the Haredi community.
Bennett called on Knesset members to prevent the adoption of a budget that contradicts the principles of equality and national security.
What’s next?
The QatarGate scandal continues to escalate, and calls for the resignation of the Netanyahu government are becoming louder. It remains to be seen whether this situation will lead to a political crisis.
