Qatar denies meddling in Israeli elections, rejects political scapegoating

Qatar’s foreign ministry has denied interfering in the Israeli elections and rejected accusations against Doha, describing them as contradictory—alleging both support for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and funding for the Israeli left. The ministry affirmed that such campaigns would not deter Qatar from continuing its mediation efforts to achieve peace in the region.

In a statement on Thursday, the ministry said, “We categorically deny the allegations of our involvement in the Israeli elections,” adding that the accusations are inconsistent, ranging from supporting Netanyahu to funding the Israeli left. The ministry stressed, “We are not a scapegoat for the failures of some Israeli politicians.”

Qatar’s position comes amid Israeli debate over the election results, with Arab parties winning 19 seats in the Knesset. This outcome has sparked hostile statements from the Israeli right, including calls to arrest Arab party leaders, refusals to rely on them for government formation, and other positions that have not ruled out partnership.

On Thursday, Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir called on the Shin Bet security service to arrest the heads of Arab parties. On election day, Ben-Gvir, along with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, warned against high Arab voter turnout.

In the opposition camp, Gadi Eisenkot set conditions for any potential government partner, including recognition of Israel as a Jewish state and recognition of Hamas as a terrorist organization that must be dismantled, without explicitly excluding Arab parties. A spokesperson for Eisenkot said the state should investigate every complaint and warned against exploiting the situation for political gain.

Meanwhile, Yair Lapid declared that Netanyahu’s bloc had suffered a “crushing defeat,” saying Netanyahu continues to speak after his loss, while the opposition will keep working to ensure he leaves office. Former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett said Arab parties are not Zionist and therefore would not be relied upon.

Amid these developments, Israeli Central Elections Committee Chairman Judge Noam Sohlberg instructed Shin Bet chief David Zini to investigate suspicions of foreign funding and electoral bribery by external parties.

Israeli President Isaac Herzog said he is closely following the investigation into published suspicions regarding the integrity of the elections, calling for the probe to be completed and for violators to be prosecuted and punished.

The United Arab List welcomed the decision by the Central Elections Committee chairman to open an investigation into suspicions of unlawful foreign influence on the elections through funding, stressing that “preserving the integrity of elections and the rule of law is a civic and democratic duty that is central to our principles.”

The United Arab List also denied any connection to the case or any other issues, affirming its full cooperation with all law enforcement authorities to uncover the truth.