Opposition leader and Yesh Atid president Yair Lapid claimed that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was aware of members of his circle receiving money to support Hamas at the opening of the Yesh Atid meeting on Monday.
“Netanyahu’s people received a lot of money from Hamas supporters in Qatar to run a campaign for them that would improve their position in the world,” he said.
“This has been the perception of Netanyahu and his office all these years – that Hamas is not terrible. You can transfer suitcases of dollars to them from Qatar, and at the same time, you can do business with the Qataris for your private bank account.”
He went on to say: “Khaled Mashaal owns a shopping center and three apartment towers there – because [el portavoz del primer ministro Yonatan] Urich y [el exasesor del primer ministro Srulik] Einhorn also do business with Qatar, make profits from Qatar and explain to the world that Qataris are actually good people who should host the World Cup.”
Lapid challenged right-wing politicians Amsellem, Kara’i, Distel and Yariv Levin, saying: “What would you say if you found out that my closest office advisors received Qatari money? You would be shouting ‘betrayal’ and ‘support for terrorism’ from the podium”.
In Netanyahu’s office, the Israeli prime minister’s office, the people closest to him received money from Qatar. This was the perception of Netanyahu and his office all these years – that Hamas is not terrible. You can transfer suitcases of dollars from Qatar to them, and you can do business with the Qataris for the private bank account pic.twitter.com/yNqZw4Z68l
— Yair Lapid (@yairlapid) November 25, 2024
Lapid demanded that Netanyahu answer whether he knew and approved of his closest advisors receiving Qatari money or whether he was once again unaware of the activities around him.
Unanswered
The Prime Minister’s Office has not responded to Lapid’s allegation.
**What potential legal and diplomatic ramifications could Israel face if the allegations of Qatari funding to Netanyahu’s circle are substantiated?** [[1](http://www.qatarshares.com/vb/forumdisplay.php?1-%C7%E1%E3%E4%CA%CF%ED%C7%CA-%C7%E1%D1%C6%ED%D3%ED%C9)]
## Interview: Qatari Funding Allegations Against Netanyahu’s Circle
**Host:** Welcome to World Today News. Today, we’re discussing explosive allegations made by Opposition Leader Yair Lapid regarding Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his circle’s alleged financial ties to Hamas supporters in Qatar. Joining us are Dr. Sarah Ben-David, a political analyst specializing in Middle Eastern affairs, and Mr. David Cohen, a legal expert focusing on international funding and transparency laws.
**Theme 1: The Allegations**
* **Host (to Dr. Ben-David):** Dr. Ben-David, Yair Lapid claims that members of Prime Minister Netanyahu’s inner circle received funds from Hamas supporters in Qatar for a PR campaign aimed at improving Hamas’s global image. What is your initial reaction to these allegations, and what are the potential implications if proven true?
* **Host (to Mr. Cohen):** Mr. Cohen, from a legal perspective, what are the potential ramifications if it is established that Netanyahu aides accepted funds originating from individuals linked to designated terrorist organizations like Hamas? What laws might be violated, both domestically and internationally?
**Theme 2: The Context**
* **Host (to Dr. Ben-David):** Dr. Ben-David, Lapid also suggests that this alleged financial connection reflects a long-standing perception within Netanyahu’s circle that Hamas is not “terrible” and that Qatar, despite its backing of Hamas, is a country deserving of positive engagement. Can you elaborate on the history of Israel’s relationship with Qatar and Hamas, and how these allegations fit into this complex geopolitical landscape?
* **Host (to Mr. Cohen):** Mr. Cohen, assuming these accusations are true, what are the possible legal and diplomatic consequences for Israel? Could these actions have an impact on Israel’s international standing and relations with key allies?
**Theme 3: The Response and Accountability**
* **Host (to both guests): ** So far, the Prime Minister’s Office has not responded to Mr. Lapid’s allegations. What is the significance of this silence? What further steps should be taken to investigate these claims and ensure transparency and accountability?
**Host:** Dr. Ben-David and Mr. Cohen, thank you both for sharing your valuable insights on this crucial topic. These allegations raise serious questions about potential conflicts of interest, political influence, and the integrity of Israel’s political processes. It is essential that robust investigations are conducted to shed light on these matters and ensure the rule of law is upheld.
**Host (Concluding):** The story continues to develop, and we will follow closely for any further developments. This is World Today News.
