Former Israeli Prime Minister Urges Netanyahu to Step Down Over Qatargate Allegations

Israel’s political tensions have intensified after former prime minister Naftali Bennett publicly called for the resignation of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, accusing his office of conduct that he described as amounting to treason. The remarks centre on allegations that aides within the prime minister’s office acted as paid agents for Qatar during a period of active conflict, claims that have sparked fierce debate across Israel’s political spectrum.

Naftali Bennett, who is widely seen as a potential front runner in Israel’s next legislative elections, made the accusations on Monday. He argued that any suggestion of foreign influence operating within the prime minister’s inner circle during wartime raised fundamental questions about national security and public trust. Bennett said such allegations could not be brushed aside and demanded accountability at the highest level of government.

The controversy, referred to by critics as Qatargate, revolves around claims that individuals close to Netanyahu received funding linked to Qatar while serving in advisory roles. Qatar has long played a complex role in regional politics, including its involvement in Gaza related mediation efforts, making the accusations particularly sensitive within Israel’s security establishment. Bennett said that if the allegations were confirmed, they would represent a severe breach of duty.

Benjamin Netanyahu has strongly denied any wrongdoing and has not indicated any intention to resign. His office has dismissed the accusations as politically motivated attacks designed to weaken his leadership ahead of future elections. Netanyahu has instead shifted focus toward his political future, recently announcing plans to seek another term as prime minister in elections scheduled for October 2026.

The dispute comes at a time when Israel remains deeply divided over governance, security policy, and the handling of ongoing regional conflicts. Critics of Netanyahu argue that the allegations add to a broader pattern of ethical and legal controversies surrounding his leadership, while supporters say the claims lack substance and are being amplified for political gain.

Political analysts note that Bennett’s intervention is significant not only because of the severity of the language he used, but also because of his own positioning ahead of the next election cycle. Having previously served as prime minister during a short lived coalition government, Bennett has largely stayed out of frontline politics in recent months. His decision to directly challenge Netanyahu now is seen as a signal that he may be preparing for a political comeback.

The allegations have also triggered renewed discussion within Israeli media about transparency, foreign influence, and the safeguards in place around senior government offices. Opposition figures have called for independent investigations to clarify whether any laws were broken and to restore confidence in state institutions.

For now, Netanyahu continues to govern with the backing of his coalition partners, but the growing scrutiny adds pressure at a moment when Israel faces both internal divisions and external security challenges. Whether the Qatargate affair will have lasting political consequences remains uncertain, but it has already deepened the sense of volatility surrounding Israel’s leadership as the country moves toward another decisive election.