Israeli opposition leader introduces bill to label Qatar as 'enemy state'

Published February 2nd, 2026 - 11:12 GMT
opposition leader Yair Lapid
Former Israeli prime minister and opposition leader Yair Lapid holds a press conference on the upcoming state budget, in Tel Aviv on May 16, 2023. (Photo by JACK GUEZ / AFP)

ALBAWABA - Israel's opposition leader, Yair Lapid, will introduce a bill to the Knesset on Monday to list Qatar as an "enemy state," his office revealed on Sunday.

According to Lapid's office, Qatar has been "acting systematically and continuously contrary to the security and political interests of the State of Israel."

The Israeli politician supports his bill, saying that Qatar should be marked as an "enemy state" for "supporting and financing 'terrorist organizations'". 

The office of Lapid also mentioned that the 'terrorist organization is Hamas'.

Lapid added, "Tomorrow we will begin the legislative process of the bill that seeks to correct a historical injustice in the authorities' relationship with the State of Qatar."

In addition, the opposition leader stressed that if the bill gets agreement and the law passes, it will help promote similar legislation together with the US Congress.