Bennett accuses Qatar of funding October 7 massacre, 'worked to eliminate State of Israel'

Former Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett accused Qatar of financing the October 7 massacre and systematically working to eliminate Israel for 25 years, stating, "Qatar's hands are stained with the blood of those who were murdered and raped." He claimed Qatar operates through direct terrorism and influence operations, including in American universities and potentially within the Israeli Prime Minister's Office. Bennett also discussed his meeting with Shin Bet head Zini, affirming that professional public servants would remain in office under his leadership. He warned of foreign and domestic influence operations on social media, including a "poison machine" spreading hatred. Regarding Prime Minister Netanyahu's upcoming meeting with Donald Trump, Bennett wished him success but criticized the current government's perceived weakness in international affairs, citing a lack of Israeli input on decisions concerning its fate in Gaza, Iran, and agreements with Qatar and Turkey. He expressed openness to cooperating with other Zionist parties, including Gadi Eisenkot and Avigdor Liberman, to form a "government of national repair."