Qatar rejects ‘dangerous’ accusations that it interfered in Israeli elections

Qatar’s foreign ministry spokesman on Thursday rejected accusations “made by certain Israeli politicians and their contacts in the media” that his country had interfered in the Israeli elections.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s camp, which appears unable to secure a majority in parliamentary elections, has, without evidence, accused Arab parties of receiving money from Qatar.

Partial election results showed the two Arab lists securing a strong position in the new parliament, making them potential kingmakers.

“We categorically deny allegations that Qatar has interfered in Israeli elections or funded any activities intended to influence their outcome,” said Majed Al Ansari.

“They accuse Qatar of buying off Benjamin Netanyahu, the Israeli political left and now, in this latest campaign, the Arab vote… These accusations are ridiculous and dangerous in equal measure.”

Mansour Abbas, head of the Arab-Israeli Raam party, has also rejected the accusations.

Israeli President Isaac Herzog called for an investigation into the allegations but cautioned against stigmatising the entire Arab Israeli community, who voted at unprecedented rates.

Netanyahu has himself been under a cloud over allegations related to Qatar, after the arrests last year of two of his aides for allegedly receiving payments from the Gulf state.

Netanyahu, Israel’s longest-serving prime minister, for years tacitly supported Qatar funding for Hamas-ruled Gaza, hoping to preserve stability.

“Qatar should not be used as a scapegoat for the political failures of certain Israeli politicians,” Al Ansari said in his post on X.

“None of this will distract us from our important role as a mediator,” he added.

Qatar is a key mediator in the conflict between Israel and the Palestinians and played a central role in talks to halt the Gaza war.

Doha is also leading mediation efforts between Washington and Tehran to end the Middle East war that was started by Israel and the United States in late February.