Following the Hamas assault on October 7, Israel’s Foreign Ministry aimed to discredit Qatar, a plan approved by Foreign Minister Eli Cohen. Mossad chief David Barnea intervened, cautioning against this strategy to protect hostage negotiations. Investigations are currently underway concerning Netanyahu’s aides and their relationships with Doha.
In the aftermath of the Hamas attack on October 7, Israel’s Foreign Ministry initiated a strategy aimed at undermining Qatar’s international reputation. Reports from anonymous sources indicate that the plan received approval from then Foreign Minister Eli Cohen. However, it was ultimately shelved following a warning from Mossad chief David Barnea, who expressed concerns that such actions could endanger ongoing negotiations regarding hostages. Currently, multiple aides to Prime Minister Netanyahu are facing scrutiny due to their connections with Qatar.
The early stages of the Gaza war revealed conflicting strategies within Israel regarding diplomatic relations with Qatar. While the Foreign Ministry sought to diminish Qatar’s credibility, the Mossad intervened, prioritizing the importance of Qatar’s role in hostage discussions. This situation highlights the complexities of international diplomacy in the context of ongoing conflicts.
Original Source: www.haaretz.com