Was Qatar Attack Timed to Deflect Indictment News of Netanyahu’s Qatari ties?

The decision to attack Hamas headquarters in Qatar’s capital raises serious questions about the real motives behind it. This action did not advance any security interest of the State of Israel and even aroused opposition from senior figures in the security establishment before it was carried out. If so, why was it carried out?

This is an irresponsible move that uses Israel’s military power most probably to serve personal interests. Not the state of Israel, not security, not the safety of its citizens, no legitimate purpose. This happened before, not long ago, also completely “coincidentally,” at the most complex moment for Netanyahu’s coalition, at the height of the crisis over the conscription law with the ultra-Orthodox parties, a day before a crucial vote. So we went out to attack Iran. The official reason according to Netanyahu was “they’ll have a bomb any moment. A claim he has been making repeatedly for at least 25 years.

Unfortunately, there’s a high probability that under Netanyahu we’ll go for another such round, which has nothing to do with eliminating Iran’s nuclear project. Similar to Netanyahu’s claim to “eliminate Hamas” over the past 15 years, and especially in the last two years.

This move not only does not serve Israel’s interests – it actively works against them. It is not intended to end the destructive war that is claiming more and more unnecessary victims, nor to advance the release of the hostages – the most important and urgent goal for a life-loving state.

An inevitable conclusion is that in light of publications about impending indictments against Netanyahu’s close associates regarding cooperation and receiving money from Qatar, the attack appears to be a move to distance his name from the affair. Now he has the winning argument for any investigation or media publication: “I attacked Qatar.”

The devastating and expected consequences of the action are likely an increase in Palestinian terror attacks against Israelis, more unnecessary escalation; Qatar strengthening ties with Iran; further distancing of Jordan and Egypt; actions by key states like Saudi Arabia and the UAE to partially cut some of the ties with Israel; increased criticism and distancing of the American public (and perhaps also the administration that currently works as a member of Netanyahu’s coalition) and European governments and their willingness to defend Israel publicly and even militarily when needed. This involves increasing Israel’s isolation and a real risk to the security of Israeli citizens.

And of course immediate danger to the hostages. Whether as revenge by those holding them or as a result of eliminating any possibility of reaching an agreement for their release.

Many of Netanyahu’s actions are illogical and are 180 degrees opposite from the long term interests of the Israeli public and the future of the State of Israel. Therefore it appears we are left with two main possibilities: 1. Israel’s interests are not at the top of Netanyahu’s concerns; 2. Netanyahu has lost all contact with reality, and those talking heads who fill studio hours and analyze his steps shouldn’t be political or military commentators – but psychiatrists and mental health professionals.

Either way, this is an extremely dangerous situation that requires immediate intervention. We must issue a clear and unambiguous call to security officials, enforcement authorities and former leaders of our security bodies: they must act together to immediately remove Netanyahu from office, before it’s too late (it may already be too late) and there is no way back for the State of Israel and its citizens.

Enough. Netanyahu’s actions are distinctly and dangerously disconnected from the interests of the State of Israel and the peace of its citizens.

If this doesn’t happen immediately, it certainly won’t happen with a messianic Shin Bet chief and a police commissioner who is a puppet of the zealous right. This might be the last chance to save the State of Israel as we know it. Even this might not be enough to change this course.

The state’s future depends on decisions to be made in the coming days. Will security and enforcement officials stand by their responsibility to the democratic state of Israel and not be afraid of “what would people say?,” or will they allow a disturbed person who should be in a closed institution and his associates who work for Israel’s enemies, to continue making decisions that mean real danger to the State of Israel and our security?