Qatar ‘Enemy State’ Bid Sparks Fiery Netanyahu-Lapid Political Showdown
A heated verbal exchange erupted between Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Opposition Leader Yair Lapid on Monday, fueled by Lapid’s intention to propose legislation designating Qatar as an ‘enemy state’ in the Knesset. The political spat, playing out intensely on social media, highlighted deep divisions and accusations of hypocrisy within the Israeli political establishment regarding sensitive diplomatic engagements.
The ‘Enemy State’ Proposal
The controversy began with Lapid’s announcement of a planned bill aimed at officially declaring Qatar an ‘enemy state.’ This legislative push, if successful, would significantly escalate the diplomatic posture towards Doha, a key regional player often involved in mediation efforts. The proposal itself became a flashpoint, immediately drawing sharp criticism and counter-accusations from the Prime Minister’s office, setting the stage for the public confrontation.
Social Media Spat Ignites
The dispute quickly moved to ‘X’ (formerly Twitter), where Prime Minister Netanyahu launched an initial broadside. He alleged that Lapid, along with Benny Gantz (leader of the Blue and White party) and relatives of Israeli captives, had held meetings with Qatari representatives. These meetings, Netanyahu claimed, were mediated by an individual identified as Jay Futlick. Netanyahu’s initial post, which included Gantz’s name, was swiftly deleted, only to be reposted later with Gantz’s name omitted – a move Lapid quickly seized upon to taunt the Prime Minister.
The Futlick Controversy
Central to the escalating row is the figure of Jay Futlick. Media reports describe Futlick as an American Jewish advisor and lobbyist for Qatar, purportedly receiving payments from the Qatari embassy in the United States. Further allegations suggest Futlick actively worked in Qatar’s interests during the recent conflict, including reportedly funding a former spokesperson for the Prime Minister’s office implicated in a ‘Qatargate’ affair. He is also said to have engaged with senior Israeli rabbis to garner support letters for Qatar and maintained contact with the families of captives during the Gaza conflict.
Accusations of Hypocrisy
Netanyahu’s online attacks escalated with pointed accusations of hypocrisy. He argued that if Futlick, the alleged mediator, is deemed a ‘foreign agent’ and contact with him constitutes ‘espionage and treason’ – a charge previously leveled against others by the left – then Lapid and Gantz were equally culpable for engaging with the same individual. “This hypocrisy is as clear as day,” Netanyahu asserted in his reposted message, challenging his political rivals on their perceived double standards.
Lapid’s Counter-Punch
Lapid wasted no time responding to Netanyahu’s claims and the deletion of the initial post. He sarcastically questioned the Prime Minister’s motives for removing the tweet. In a subsequent exchange, after Netanyahu’s modified repost, Lapid directly challenged the Prime Minister: “I charged my phone, but still haven’t found an explanation from you as to why your advisors received money from a state that supports terrorism during wartime?” This pointed counter-accusation shifted the focus, implying potential impropriety or questionable ties within Netanyahu’s own orbit, further intensifying the political drama and highlighting the deep personal and ideological rifts within the Israeli leadership.
