Qatar: Israeli Election Interference Claims Are Ridiculous
Doha’s Foreign Ministry says it funded no campaigns and urges the incoming government to focus on Palestinian statehood rather than internal disputes.
By Allison Singh ·
Qatar’s Foreign Ministry rejected claims that Doha spent money to sway the results of Israel’s recent elections. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Majed al-Ansari stated on Thursday that the allegations are false. He described the accusations as part of a disinformation campaign aimed at pulling Qatar into Israel’s domestic politics.
Al-Ansari said Qatar did not fund any activities intended to influence the electoral outcome. He accused specific Israeli politicians and their media contacts of trying to draw the Gulf state into local disputes. He noted that critics have previously claimed Qatar financially supported Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, the political left, and Arab voters. He argued that if those claims were true, Qatar would effectively own the entire country.
The spokesperson called the accusations ridiculous and dangerous. He argued that Qatar should not serve as a scapegoat for the political failures of certain Israeli leaders. He urged those making the claims to focus on their own voters. He suggested they work on improving living conditions and addressing the regional consequences of their policies.
Al-Ansari reiterated that Qatar has no involvement in Israel’s political or electoral competition. He stated that these are internal Israeli matters in which Doha does not interfere. He added that Qatar will not accept any attempt to draw it into domestic political disputes. He emphasized that the country does not participate in Israel’s electoral politics.
The statement also addressed the incoming government. Al-Ansari said any new administration must engage seriously with the Palestinian issue. He called for recognition of Palestinian national rights. He specified that this includes establishing an independent Palestinian state along the June 4, 1967, lines. He identified East Jerusalem as the capital of that state.
Qatar said it will continue its diplomatic and humanitarian activities despite the allegations. Al-Ansari confirmed the country remains involved in regional mediation efforts. He noted that Doha continues to support the Palestinian people. He concluded that Qatar will not remain silent while its name is used to serve electoral agendas or narrow political interests.
Source: The Jerusalem Post
