Netanyahu’s ‘disgraceful’ apology to Qatar triggers political firestorm

Among some Knesset members, whispers turned to open criticism that he placed diplomatic expediency above deterrence.

By World Israel News Staff

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s apology to Qatar for Israel’s strike in Doha has ignited intense backlash across Israel.

Critics across the political spectrum condemned the move as a sign of weakness.

National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir called the apology a betrayal: “Those who send monsters to burn babies… should know there is no place in the world where they are safe.”

Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich slammed it as a “disgrace” that undermines Israeli dignity.

Coalition partners and MKs privately and publicly questioned Netanyahu’s resolve. Among some Knesset members, whispers turned to open criticism that he placed diplomatic expediency above deterrence.

Opposition figures used the moment to cast Netanyahu as politically dependent and timid.

On social media, Israelis attacked him for “kowtowing to foreign pressure” and selling out national pride.

Some commentators drew a sharp line between the apology and the ongoing “Qatargate” scandal, suggesting the two were intertwined in public perception.

The Qatargate affair — the scandal over Netanyahu’s aides allegedly receiving payments from Qatar — has already shaken public trust.

For many, the apology only deepened fears that the prime minister is compromising security and sovereignty interests for foreign diplomacy.

Netanyahu now finds himself squeezed: trying to maintain good ties with Washington and Doha while battling mounting scorn at home.

He will soon have to explain if his apology was strategic or a capitulation. It remains to seen if the Israeli public will accept either explanation.