Netanyahu OKs Major Israeli Arms Deals with Qatar

Photo: Reuters

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has reportedly given the green light to several large defense deals between Israeli companies and Qatar.

According to a report by Walla News, three major Israeli defense companies—Elbit Systems, Rafael Advanced Defense Systems, and Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI)—have received official approval from the Ministry of Defence (MoD) to move forward with these deals.

These companies cannot make any international deals without MoD approval. It’s reported that Elbit's deal with Qatar is worth over $100 million, while Rafael’s deal is in the tens of millions. The deal involving IAI is still being negotiated, but company staff have already travelled to Qatar and even hosted Qatari officials at their headquarters in Israel.

Each of these contracts was signed off by the Israeli MoD after being approved by top IDF officers and Netanyahu himself.

However, these new deals are expected to raise more questions about Netanyahu’s connections to Qatar, especially as he is already under pressure from the ongoing “Qatargate” investigation. Two of his close advisors have been arrested for allegedly receiving money to promote Qatari interests in Israel.

Netanyahu has not been directly linked to the scandal and has dismissed the investigation as a "political witch hunt." But critics say he has been unusually soft on Qatar, even though the country has long been accused of funding terrorist groups like Hamas.

Hamas’ top leaders live in Doha, and some Israeli lawmakers have called for Qatar to be removed from its role in mediating ceasefire talks due to its alleged support for Hamas.

Just yesterday, Channel 12 reported that documents found in Gaza show Qatar played a major role in funding Hamas and even tried to block a U.S.-backed peace deal in 2020. Qatar has denied these claims, calling them “fabricated.”

When asked for comment, an Elbit spokesperson said the company always follows the rules and restrictions set by the Israeli Ministry of Defence.
A Rafael spokesperson also said the company does not share details about its business partners but operates under strict international standards and follows Israeli export laws.