Key facts
- Former Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett accused Qatar of funding the ICC's chief prosecutor.
- Bennett accused Qatar of financing Hamas.
- Bennett called Qatar an "enemy" and a "cancer."
- Bennett vowed to declare Qatar an enemy state if elected prime minister again.
Former Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett has issued a strong condemnation of Qatar, labeling the Gulf state an "enemy" and a "cancer." Bennett's accusations center on Qatar's alleged funding of the International Criminal Court's (ICC) chief prosecutor. He further accused Qatar of financing Hamas, a designated terrorist organization by several countries. Bennett declared that if he were to be elected prime minister again, he would take the step of declaring Qatar an enemy state. This statement underscores significant geopolitical tensions and accusations leveled against Qatar concerning its alleged involvement in financing entities and legal processes that impact Israel and regional stability. The former prime minister's rhetoric suggests a potential shift in Israeli policy towards Qatar should he regain leadership, framing the nation as a direct adversary.