The Qatari Debacle

Qatar’s involvement in negotiations with Hamas is proving to be a double edge sword for Israel. Before I go any further, let’s clarify a few facts about the “benevolent” Qatari government. For starters, any country which funnels $30 million a month to Hamas, a terrorist organization, and hosts its leaders, cannot possibly be a friendly country. Furthermore, Qatar is actively supporting terrorist groups around the world. These include regional terrorists such as Hezbollah, Hamas, Palestinian Islamic Jihad, ISIS and the Muslim Brotherhood, as well as global players like Iran, Al Qaeda, Houthis, and Shi’ite terrorists groups in Iraq, Libya, and Algeria. Besides funding outright terrorism, Qatar channels significant funds into universities in the US where extreme Muslims protest Israel’s existence and harass Jewish students. On top of all this, Qatar owns the international news outlet Al Jazeera, which has been vehemently anti-Israel and antisemitic ever since the Oct. 7 massacre.

Despite all this, Israel cannot reject Qatari mediation. Friends are extremely hard to come by in the Middle East and only a local authority can get both sides’ ears. Despite the challenges, Qatar did facilitate the first deal for a hostage release. Israelis are understandably divided in their attitude towards Qatar and its role in the current war. Despite Qatar’s best efforts, Hamas has repeatedly turned down Israeli proposals, instead waiting for the world to enforce a ceasefire without the need to release any hostages. American and global support for Israel has continued to deteriorate, as Biden gets more involved with his own election campaign. His primary voter base, including the far left, are pushing him further away from supporting Israel. With increasing international pressure on Israel, Hamas is in no mood to negotiate, choosing to wait for a forced ceasefire against Israel. With waning Qatari and Egyptian involvement, Israel is in for a rough road  ahead, especially with the world media down on Israel  24/7.

Another alarming factor is emerging as Hamas has hinted that they don’t have many hostages to release. If true, this will limit Israel’s willingness to negotiate at all. Qatar must use its regional influence to verify the true number of living hostages if they are to be a serious mediator.

Aside from growing international pressure, Israel’s internal squabbles are causing damage. The IDF withdrawal from Khan Younis was puzzling to say the least, leaving Israelis unsure as to the direction of the war. Haaretz, one of Israel’s leading newspapers, is eager to expose all of Israel’s internal struggles, which undoubtedly gives our enemies strength and desire to strike us.

Israel, therefore, finds itself facing a double edge sword. If they use Qatari mediation, they are legitimizing its strength as a regional stronghold and enabling continued support of terrorism. On the other hand, without Qatar Israel may not have a path for further hostage negotiations. Let us hope that despite the difficulties involved, Israel can find a way to bring home all of the hostages to their families.

Jack Molad