Mossad Vehemently Denies Liberman's Claims of Secret Qatar PR Deal: "Absurd and False"

Israel's Mossad intelligence agency has categorically rejected allegations made by opposition politician Avigdor Liberman that its director, David "Dedi" Barnea, met with Qatari officials to discuss improving Qatar's public image in Israel.

The controversy erupted after Liberman, chairman of the right-wing Yisrael Beiteinu party and a former defense minister known for his hawkish stance on security matters, claimed on December 25 that Barnea had engaged with Qatari representatives to form a "communications team" aimed at rehabilitating Qatar's tarnished reputation among Israelis. Liberman, who has long criticized Qatar for its financial support of Hamas and its ownership of the Al Jazeera network, often accused of anti-Israel bias, suggested the meeting was part of a broader effort to polish Doha's image amid ongoing regional tensions.

In response, the Mossad clarified that the New York gathering, which reportedly involved U.S., Israeli, and Qatari officials, addressed "a range of weighty issues related to the Middle East and the Gaza Strip, including senior Hamas figures who enjoy hospitality in Qatar." The agency stressed that the only media-related topic discussed was a firm demand from both the U.S. and Israel for Qatar to rein in Al Jazeera's "negative coverage," which it accused of "encouraging hatred, antisemitism, and terrorism." Additionally, the statement called for Qatar to cease "spreading false narratives and incitement against the State of Israel worldwide" through its various platforms.

This denial comes against a backdrop of strained yet pragmatic Israel-Qatar relations. Since the October 7, 2023, Hamas attacks on Israel, Qatar has played a pivotal role as a mediator in hostage negotiations, leveraging its hosting of Hamas political leaders like Ismail Haniyeh (assassinated in Tehran in July 2024) and Khaled Meshaal. Mossad chief Barnea has made multiple trips to Doha for such talks, including a visit in August 2025 to revive Gaza peace discussions, according to Israeli officials.

However, these engagements have drawn scrutiny, particularly after reports in September 2025 that Barnea opposed a proposed Israeli strike on Hamas officials in Qatar, fearing it would jeopardize ties with Qatari mediators essential for intelligence and diplomacy.

Liberman's accusations align with his ongoing criticism of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government for what he sees as overly conciliatory dealings with Qatar. In a related statement earlier today, Liberman hinted at Qatar's "next step" in influencing Israeli affairs, though details remain vague.

Critics argue such claims fuel political division, especially as Israel navigates post-war recovery and international perceptions, with recent global indexes showing a sharp decline in the country's brand image due to ongoing conflicts.

As of this reporting, neither Liberman nor Qatari officials have responded to the Mossad's rebuttal.