Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stands accused of a shocking act of political sabotage, allegedly working to deliberately derail sensitive negotiations with Qatari mediators for a critical hostage and truce deal.
According to a bombshell report from Axios, citing three anonymous Israeli officials, Netanyahu's motive was not diplomatic but deeply personal: to ensure the survival of his fragile governing coalition and his own grip on power.
The Leaked Instructions: A Deliberate Provocation
The controversy centres on a leaked instruction from the Prime Minister's office to Mossad officials. They were reportedly told to make demands of Qatari mediators that were known to be impossible to meet. This move, officials claim, was a calculated "political manoeuvre" designed to anger Qatar and cause them to withdraw from the talks entirely.
This strategy would allow Netanyahu to publicly blame Qatar for the failure, shielding himself from domestic backlash while appeasing his far-right coalition partners who oppose any deal with Hamas.
Coalition Over Country: The Far-Right's Veto Power
The heart of the alleged betrayal lies in Netanyahu's reliance on hardliners like National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich. These figures have repeatedly threatened to collapse the government if a deal they deem too lenient is agreed upon.
By sabotaging the Qatar channel, Netanyahu is accused of prioritising his political survival over the fate of the remaining hostages held in Gaza and the prospect of a desperately needed humanitarian pause in the fighting.
Washington's Fury and Diplomatic Fallout
The reported ploy has reportedly ignited fury within the Biden administration. US officials view Qatar as an indispensable intermediary and have invested significant effort in keeping the negotiation channel open. Any attempt to intentionally blow up these talks is seen as a direct affront to American diplomatic efforts.
The allegations paint a picture of a leader in crisis, willing to jeopardise international alliances and the lives of hostages to maintain his position, plunging Israel's political landscape into further turmoil.
