Israeli Committee Advances Bill to Designate Qatar a “Terror-Supporting State”

Tel Aviv, The Gulf Observer: Israel’s Ministerial Committee for Legislation on May 18 approved a bill that would formally designate Qatar as a “terror-supporting state,” advancing a controversial proposal that could significantly affect Israel’s diplomatic posture in the region.

The legislation, backed by members of both the government and opposition, asserts that Qatar is “acting as a wolf in sheep’s clothing,” accusing the Gulf state of directly supporting terrorist organizations. If enacted, the law would place Qatar on a newly established list of terror-supporting states, subjecting it to trade restrictions, diplomatic limitations, and legal prohibitions on engagement.

Limited Impact on Gaza Mediation—For Now

While the bill would bar states designated as terror supporters from serving as mediators between Israel and hostile actors, it includes a notable exemption clause. Under the proposed framework, the Ministerial Committee for National Security Affairs would retain the authority to allow specific states to continue mediation roles on a case-by-case basis. As a result, Qatar would not automatically be excluded from ongoing Gaza ceasefire and hostage negotiations should the legislation pass.

Legislation Emerges Amid “Qatargate” Allegations

The bill is advancing against the backdrop of a growing political scandal in Israel, commonly referred to by local media as “Qatargate.” Several aides to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu are under investigation on suspicion of receiving Qatari funds to improve Doha’s image within Israel.

In court testimony presented in April, an Israeli police investigator stated that one suspect allegedly relayed media messages originating from “an entity maintaining ties with and funded by the State of Qatar,” while presenting them as if they came from Israeli political or security sources.

Lapid Pushes Parallel “Enemy State” Designation

Separately, Israeli opposition leader Yair Lapid has introduced legislation that would formally designate Qatar as an “enemy state.” According to Maariv, the Knesset is expected to debate the proposal this week.

Lapid’s bill would apply to Qatar the same legal regime currently enforced against Iran, Syria, and Lebanon, including a comprehensive trade embargo, restrictions on communications, and the criminalization of any direct or indirect dealings with Qatari entities.

Lapid has accused Qatar of systematically acting against Israel’s security interests by financing and sheltering Hamas leadership and by operating what he described as a global influence and propaganda network, naming the Qatar-based broadcaster Al Jazeera as a central component.

According to Lapid’s office, Qatar has been “acting systematically and continuously contrary to the security and political interests of the State of Israel.” The statement explicitly identified Hamas as the terrorist organization allegedly supported and financed by Doha.

Allegations of Infiltration at the Highest Levels

In what analysts describe as the most politically explosive claim, Lapid has alleged that Qatar recruited individuals within the Prime Minister’s Office, asserting that senior aides and advisers to Netanyahu received substantial payments to promote Qatari interests and launder its public image inside Israel.
Lapid stated that his proposed legislation would help “correct a historical injustice” in Israel’s handling of relations with Qatar and provide legal tools to pursue accountability at the highest levels of government.

“If the law passes,” Lapid added, “we will work to advance similar legislation in coordination with the U.S. Congress,” raising the prospect of broader international diplomatic and economic pressure on Qatar.

Qatar Rejects Allegations

Qatar has firmly denied the accusations. In an official statement, Doha dismissed the claims as “media misinformation,” categorically rejecting allegations that it paid funds to undermine Egypt’s role—or that of any other mediator—in regional diplomacy. Qatari officials argued that such narratives are intended to disrupt mediation efforts and deepen humanitarian suffering in Gaza.

Political and Diplomatic Implications

The competing legislative initiatives are expected to fuel intense debate within Israel’s political system and complicate relations with Western partners, given Qatar’s longstanding ties with the United States and its role as a key intermediary in regional conflicts.