Israel's next government will declare Qatar an "enemy state," former prime minister and head of Together Naftali Bennett said at Israel's National Security Conference (INSS) on Monday. 

“Qatar is a violent antisemitic cancer that sends metastases to the West and even to the office of the prime minister of Israel, with the aim of destroying the State of Israel,” Bennett accused at the conference.

According to Bennett, Qatar is a leading financier of Islamist terrorism, particularly of Hamas, whose hands are stained with the "blood of many Israelis who were murdered, raped, burned, and abducted" during the October 7 massacre.

Former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett speaks during an election event for the joint list Together ahead of the upcoming elections, in Haifa, June 2, 2026.
Former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett speaks during an election event for the joint list Together ahead of the upcoming elections, in Haifa, June 2, 2026. (credit: Sharon Leibel/Flash90)

Bennett: Qatar's leaders want to eliminate Israel

Bennett also said Qatar had established “a global influence machine aimed at eliminating Israel," adding that it operates and funds Al Jazeera, which has been banned in Israel over inciting hatred against the state.

"Had even the most basic commission of inquiry into October 7 been established, this would have been one of its first conclusions," Bennett affirmed. "Qatar is an enemy state, and its leaders want to eliminate Israel.”