Former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett said Tuesday at Netiv Ha'asara that Hamas now has more armed terrorists than it had on October 7, including Nukhba operatives, and that Qatar has 'retaken the reins' over Gaza, making decisions in Doha rather than Jerusalem. Bennett accused Qatar of funding the Nukhba force and said Israel's security is not being managed by its government.
Former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett on Tuesday delivered a pointed critique of Qatar's role in Gaza during a visit to Netiv Ha'asara, a community near the Gaza border. Bennett stated that Qatar, which funded the Hamas Nukhba elite force, has 'retaken the reins' over Gaza, with decisions on the Strip being made in Doha rather than Jerusalem. He further claimed that Hamas now possesses more armed terrorists, including Nukhba operatives, than it did on October 7, 2023, and that Israel's security policy is not being managed by its own government.
Bennett has been a persistent critic of Qatar's role. In a July 29 interview on 'Meet the Press', he said Qatar funded the Nukhba and the Al Jazeera journalists who entered Israel on October 7. Qatar responded by citing its mediation record, including ceasefires and hostage releases. Bennett reiterated his position that Qatar bears responsibility for the October 7 massacre.
The remarks come amid multiple assessments by Israeli military sources and media that Hamas is rebuilding its military capabilities in Gaza. On August 2, a military source said Hamas is increasing its offensive readiness, and the IDF is bombing Nukhba operatives. Testimonies reported by N12 on July 6 indicated that Hamas is reorganizing and asserting control over territory.
Bennett's latest statement underscores the ongoing debate within Israel over Qatar's dual role as a mediator and a funder of Hamas, and the effectiveness of Israeli policy toward Gaza.
- DevelopingBennett: Qatar funded Nukhba and Al Jazeera journalists on Oct 7
- StrongQatar responds to Bennett's accusations, cites mediation record; Bennett reiterates Oct 7 responsibility
- DevelopingBennett at Herzliya Conference: After 1,000 days of war, Hamas rearms, Hezbollah strengthens, Tehran regime stands firm
- DevelopingBennett says Hamas rehabilitated before Nir Oz, according to ynet
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