Bennett Accuses Qatar Of Funding October 7 Massacre, Calls For 'Government Of National Repair'

Former prime minister Naftali Bennett told 103FM that Qatar financed the October 7 massacre and has for decades conducted a campaign to weaken Israel. In a wide-ranging interview, Bennett accused Doha of using both direct support for terrorism and subtle influence operations to further its goals.

Allegations Against Qatar

Bennett said: "Qatar financed the October 7 massacre. Qatar's hands are stained with the blood of those who were murdered and raped, of our hostages and our fallen." He added that, in his view, "for 25 years, Qatar has systematically worked to eliminate the State of Israel, but unlike Iran, it does so with tremendous sophistication."

He charged that Qatar combines direct support for violent groups with softer influence tactics, including efforts to "gain a foothold in American universities and influencing their faculties." Bennett argued that the events of October 7 should prompt Israel to reassess how it defines and responds to such actors.

Claims About Influence And The Prime Minister's Office

Turning to recent probes touching Israel's Prime Minister's Office, Bennett said: "Qatar has created a terrible influence operation. It is like a violent antisemitic cancer that sends its metastases throughout the world, including into the office of Israel's prime minister." He questioned why Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had not designated Qatar an enemy state and suggested the omission raises troubling questions about ties and influence.

Bennett also claimed that "hundreds of people in Israel are receiving money from Qatar," and described October 7 as a wake-up call that exposed the scope of these networks.

Meeting With Shin Bet Head And Civil Service Standards

Asked about his private meeting with Shin Bet head David Zini, Bennett praised Zini as "a professional officer who acted in the interests of the State of Israel." He said any public servant who continues to act professionally during the crisis would remain in office, while those who use offices for political ends would be replaced.

Chairman of the "Together" party and former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett speaks during a press conference at the Knesset in Jerusalem, May 20, 2026. (credit: YONATAN SINDEL/FLASH90)

"The conversation with Zini should not have become public. I was invited, and I kept it secret... He asked me for advice on security matters, of course."

Bennett said that, if he leads a "government of national repair," he will review whether officeholders serve citizens' interests and will summon the heads of Shin Bet and Mossad to assess their performance.

Foreign Influence And Social Media

Bennett warned of foreign influence campaigns on social media, saying: "I see significant influence by foreign actors on social media. You can see it." He cited the use of bots and manipulation tools from abroad and inside Israel and warned that outside actors seek to foment chaos and internal division.

He also criticized domestic misinformation and singled out what he described as a long-running "poison machine" of online misinformation linked to Netanyahu's political operation, saying such tactics have spread false stories about him personally.

Foreign Policy Critique And Upcoming Diplomacy

Bennett said he wished Prime Minister Netanyahu success ahead of a planned meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump but warned that Israel has recently been sidelined in decisions affecting its security. "Decisions about our fate are being made over our heads," he said, naming Gaza, Iran and agreements involving Qatar and Turkey as examples.

He criticized the Netanyahu government's results on Iran — arguing that key objectives such as dismantling the nuclear program and ballistic missile production have not been achieved — and called the U.S. defense agreement with Qatar "highly problematic for Israel." Bennett also opposed aspects of proposals for international troops in Gaza that include actors he views as adversarial.

Coalition Prospects

On post-election alliances, Bennett signaled readiness to work with figures such as Gadi Eizenkot and Avigdor Liberman to form what he termed a "government of national repair." "Gadi is a dear man. He is a partner. We are working to replace this terrible government," he said, adding that all Zionist parties committed to repairing the state should sit together.

Note: All allegations quoted above are Bennett's claims as reported in his 103FM interview.