Former prime minister Naftali Bennett on Monday called on Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to resign, labeling the so-called “Qatargate” scandal “the most serious act of treason in Israeli history.”
Bennett’s remarks followed new media reports alleging that senior aides in Netanyahu’s office worked as paid lobbyists for Qatar while simultaneously serving in the prime minister’s inner circle. Qatar hosts Hamas’s leadership and plays a controversial role in Gaza-related negotiations.
“Whether Netanyahu knew or did not know that his office was working for the enemy during wartime, both possibilities require his immediate resignation,” Bennett said.
According to reports, aides Jonatan Urich and Eli Feldstein are suspected of advancing pro-Qatar messaging, fabricating information attributed to senior officials, and coordinating with sympathetic media outlets. Investigators are examining possible offenses including contact with a foreign agent and corruption-related crimes.
Bennett accused Netanyahu’s office of betraying Israeli soldiers during wartime for financial gain and pledged to establish a state commission of inquiry if elected. He said the investigation should examine both the alleged Qatar ties and broader failures surrounding the October 7, 2023 Hamas attack.
Opposition leaders echoed Bennett’s criticism. Yair Lapid and Avigdor Liberman both called for a state commission of inquiry, while Yair Golan said Netanyahu’s office had compromised national security.
Netanyahu has dismissed the investigation as a “witch hunt” and has resisted calls for an independent inquiry, favoring a politically appointed panel instead.
The scandal continues to fuel political turmoil as Israel heads toward another election cycle amid ongoing war.
