Israel and Qatar: From Openness to Rupture

The Israeli aggression on Doha (September 9, 2025) was not a passing strike but rather a declaration of the end of three decades of fluctuating relations between the two sides. Qatar, once known for its role as a mediator in the Palestinian–Israeli conflict, is now regarded by Tel Aviv as a “Hamas incubator” and a direct enemy.

The Beginnings (1993–2000) After the signing of the Oslo Accords, Qatar broke taboos and opened an Israeli trade office in 1996. Shimon Peres’s visit to Doha at the time reflected optimism about an economic peace, but the Second Intifada quickly ended this phase, leading to the office’s closure—while back channels for communication remained open.

From Gaza to Doha (2008–2014) The first Gaza war (2008–2009) marked a turning point: Qatar hosted an emergency summit that included Assad, Ahmadinejad, and Khaled Meshaal, putting it in open confrontation with “Israel,” which accused it of supporting terrorism, while Avigdor Lieberman called for shutting down Al Jazeera. Despite this, beginning in 2014 Tel Aviv itself allowed millions of Qatari dollars into Gaza to buy “calm,” and Ambassador Al-Emadi became a regular figure in both Gaza and Tel Aviv—sparking heated debate within Israeli circles.

Rising Tensions (2018–2021) With the “Great March of Return” and “Operation Guardian of the Walls,” accusations grew inside Israel that Qatari funds were strengthening Hamas militarily rather than pacifying it. Even governments that opposed Netanyahu continued this policy. Yet, after Netanyahu’s return with his most hardline right-wing government, efforts began to reduce financial support and replace it with work permits for thousands of Gazans.

The Actual Rupture (2023–2025) After the October 7, 2023 attack, Qatar became a direct enemy in Israeli eyes. Targeting of Al Jazeera journalists increased, and a law was passed to shut down its offices inside the occupied territories. With the bombing of a Hamas leadership meeting in the Katara district of Doha (September 9, 2025), Tel Aviv effectively declared that Qatar was no longer a mediator but a legitimate battlefield.

Netanyahu Seals the Stance On September 16, 2025, Netanyahu stated bluntly: “Qatar funds and hosts Hamas, and Al Jazeera is a hellscape of anti-Zionism.” These words ended three decades of relations marked by secrecy and openness, mediation and hostility, opening a new stage defined by open confrontation.

Qassem S. Qassem – Al Mayadeen Net