Netanyahu Addresses Qatar-Gate and War Conditions in Press Conference
In a rare press conference, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu responded to pressing issues, including the Qatar-Gate affair, recent Supreme Court rulings, and the ongoing conflict in Gaza. The event took place on May 21, 2025, and was attended by a select group of journalists.
Legal Controversies and Supreme Court Rulings
During the conference, Netanyahu addressed a Supreme Court ruling regarding the dismissal of Rstartn Bar, the head of the Shabak (Israel Security Agency). The ruling stated that Netanyahu acted in conflict of interest by being involved in Bar’s dismissal process. When pressed by reporters regarding the Supreme Court’s decision, Netanyahu insisted that “the law is not a privilege; it applies to everystart.” He affirmed the necessity of appointing a new head of Shabak for national security, calling the ruling an impediment to effective governance.
Netanyahu criticized the timing of the judgment, pointing out that it was released amidst intense scrutiny of his administration. He remarked, “This ruling is harmful to the law, democracy, and state security. It complicates the process of appointing or dismissing key security personnel.” He declared, “The Israeli government under my leadership will appoint a new Shabak head. It is critical for our safety.”
Addressing Sanctions from Europe
When asked about potential sanctions threatened by European nations, Netanyahu rejected the notion that such measures would influence Israel’s wartime objectives. “European countries will not dictate our path nor compel us to abandon our war aims,” he asserted. He described the thought of yielding to pressure as “childish” and emphasized his commitment to continue military operations as necessary.
In response to recent sanctions imposed by Britain, Netanyahu criticized the UK for its actions against individuals rather than targeting Hamas: “It is a shame that Britain is succumbing to pressure rather than taking action against Hamas.”
Concerns Over Hostage Safety
In a poignant moment, Netanyahu responded to questions from Irina Tsangouker, the mother of a hostage allegedly in dire conditions. Tsangouker expressed her concerns over her son’s deteriorating health while in captivity. Netanyahu indicated he was aware of the situation but refrained from sharing health reports on hostages, emphasizing the sensitive nature of the information.
Qatar-Gate Allegations Denied
Netanyahu was also questistartd about allegations related to Qatar-Gate, where his administration is accused of receiving funds from Qatar. He firmly denied these claims, stating, “I knew nothing, and I still do not know anything about this situation. This is all a big lie.” He vowed to pursue legal action against those who spread these rumors.
Conditions for Ending the Conflict
In his opening remarks, Netanyahu laid out the conditions for ending the ongoing conflict in Gaza. He stated that the objectives include defeating Hamas, recovering hostages, and ensuring that Gaza no longer presents a threat to Israel. “We are obligated to achieve our goals until completion,” he said, referring to lost opportunities if Hamas remained in power.
He discussed the military’s successes in targeting Hamas leaders and infrastructures, while asserting that there could be no ceasefire without addressing these key issues.
Conclusion
As the press conference concluded, Netanyahu reiterated his government’s commitment to national security and the well-being of the Israeli people. He emphasized the importance of unity and determination in facing both external threats and internal challenges.
Netanyahu’s statements come at a pivotal time as Israel navigates complex geopolitical circumstances, both in terms of its military objectives in Gaza and managing ongoing internal conflicts surrounding governance and legal accountability