How Yair Netanyahu is complicating hostage negotiations

Yair Netanyahu, son of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, has publicly accused Qatar of being a major financier of terrorism. Speaking at an Evangelical Church conference in Florida, the younger Netanyahu's comments come at a critical juncture in Qatar-mediated talks to release hostages held in Gaza.

"Qatar is the second biggest financier of terrorism in the world after Iran," Yair Netanyahu said, according to a recording obtained by Israeli news outlet Walla. He questioned why the Gulf state receives "red carpet treatment in Washington and New York," despite these alleged ties.

The Prime Minister's son also claimed Qatar is the largest donor to U.S. universities, which he linked to extreme left-wing organizations protesting against Israel. His comments extended beyond Qatar, criticizing what he perceives as a breakdown in political discourse driven by left-wing groups in Israel, the U.S., and Europe.

Netanyahu's remarks have not gone unnoticed. A Qatari diplomat responded to Walla, calling the statements "lies and irresponsible nonsense." The diplomat warned that such comments could complicate ongoing negotiations at this sensitive time.

These accusations come as Qatar continues to position itself as a key mediator in regional conflicts, particularly in the aftermath of the October 7 attacks on Israel.

* JPost contributed to this article.