Netanyahu Approves Multimillion-Dollar Defense Deals Between Israeli Firms and Qatar

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has approved multimillion-dollar defense contracts between Israel's leading defense companies—Elbit Systems, Rafael Advanced Defense Systems, and Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI)—and Qatar, despite Qatar's alleged funding and support for Hamas. Elbit's deals with Qatar exceed $100 million, while Rafael's contracts are worth tens of millions, and IAI has maintained close ties, including numerous executive visits to Doha and hosting Qatari delegations. These deals, which include weapons, ammunition, cyber technology, and advanced weaponry, required and received authorization from the Israeli Ministry of Defense, the Defense Export Control Agency, and senior IDF officials. The agreements have sparked controversy amid ongoing investigations into possible improper influence by Qatar within Israeli political circles and allegations of Qatar's role as a major financial conduit for Hamas. Israeli defense firms assert they operate under strict compliance with Israeli export laws and international standards. The revelations come amid recent disclosures of documents seized from Gaza detailing Qatar's extensive collaboration with Hamas, including financial support and military training facilitation.