Many analysts believe that “QatarGate” is part of the mounting political pressure on Netanyahu and his far-right government.
According to political science and media professor Ali Al-Hail, the controversy is being used to increase scrutiny on Netanyahu and his ministers.
Such as Itamar Ben Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich, amid their declining popularity.
Al-Hail pointed out that “Qatar has provided aid to Gaza for years, helping to supply electricity, medicine, and fuel to the besieged population.”
He also noted that Qatar has yet to issue an official statement on the matter, but considers the allegations to be baseless.
Likud Party’s Stance on the Issue
Mendi Safadi, head of Safadi Center for International Diplomacy and Research and a member of the Likud Party, downplayed the significance of “QatarGate”.
He stated that it “will not lead to any indictment of the Prime Minister or his advisors.”
He explained that the controversy stems from “Qatar reaching out to some Israeli journalists during the World Cup to promote itself, which does not rise to the level of a political scandal.”
Safadi added that “Netanyahu sees the accusations as part of a political campaign led by the Israeli left to bring him down after their repeated failures to defeat him in elections since 2009.”
Impact of QatarGate on Egyptian-Qatari Relations
Dr. Emad Gad, an advisor at the Al-Ahram Center for Political and Strategic Studies, argues that the issue is not just about Qatari aid to Gaza.
But also about Qatar’s attempts to diminish Egypt’s role in negotiations related to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Gad highlighted:
“60% of the aid that entered Gaza came from Egypt, whether from the official budget or public donations.”
He added, “Egypt has sacrificed 100,000 martyrs in defense of the Palestinian cause, and questioning its historical role is unacceptable.”
QatarGate Impact on Gaza Negotiations
Qatar has been a key mediator between Hamas and Israel.
But “QatarGate” controversy could affect its standing in these negotiations.
According to Al-Hail, “Qatar has successfully positioned itself as an essential mediator by convincing the United States of its role.”
However, Gad contends that:
“Qatar is trying to play a role larger than its actual political weight, which creates tensions with major Arab powers such as Egypt.”
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Future of Doha-Tel Aviv Relations
As investigations continue and no final verdict has been issued, the repercussions of “QatarGate” remain open to multiple scenarios.
Particularly regarding Netanyahu’s government, which faces mounting challenges.
The scandal’s impact on Cairo-Doha relations may also persist.
Amid growing debates over the roles of Egypt and Qatar in regional affairs.
Some see the issue as a mere political distraction.
While others argue that it reflects a broader struggle for regional influence and control over key developments.
Especially concerning the war in Gaza and ongoing ceasefire negotiations.
