Will Qatar send money to Netanyahu in this election too?

Israel's strike on a military base near the Syrian city of Idlib remains a prominent issue on the agendas of Turkey, the Middle East, and Arab nations. Statements are following one another. The US Ambassador to Turkey and special envoy for Syria and Iraq, Tom Barrack, also drew attention with his unusual remarks and his proposal for establishing a security mechanism between the three countries (Turkey, Syria, and Israel). 

Israel must be condemned in the strongest terms, and the harshest reactions must be given. There is no doubt about that. 

However, how sincere are the Arab countries that voice these reactions? How consistent are they? How brave are they? How willing are they to take steps that have sanctions or deterrent effects? We must, of course, think about the answers to these questions as well. 

Because we know that some Arab countries have very intense, deep, and intricate relationships with Israel. Let's not look too far. For instance, we recall that Qatar, with which Turkey also has very close relations, gave Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu 15 million dollars in the 2012 elections and 50 million dollars in the 2018 elections to use in his election campaigns. Indeed, this aid is constantly kept on the agenda by the opposition in Israeli domestic politics. It is known that at the time, Netanyahu gave a statement to the police regarding the aid, his advisors who received the money were arrested, voice recordings and confessions were revealed, and Netanyahu's claims that "this is a political conspiracy against me" were not at all convincing. 

The truly interesting point here is this: This incident occupied public opinion in Israel for days and became the most important item on the political agenda. But in Qatar, in the wider Arab world, in the Islamic world, and in Turkey, the subject was barely touched upon. Very few people brought to the agenda or reacted to the fact that millions of dollars were given to such a murderer, such a villain who commits the crime of genocide in Palestine, to use in elections. Their voices were not heard much either. 

Now, let's be honest. While the Islamic world and the Arab world are in this state, who can expect Israel to take a step back regarding Palestine? Who can be optimistic about a two-state solution based on the 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital, recognizing the independence, integrity, and sovereignty of Palestine? Who can believe that Arab countries are truly determined, consistent, brave, and sincere regarding Palestine? While the silence of Islamist circles and conservative-pious segments regarding this aid from Qatar stands before us, who can be convinced that the demonstrations, meetings, and press releases held regarding Gaza and Palestine can achieve results? Who, what power, which Arab country can keep the hope of the oppressed, saddened, and victimized Palestinian people alive? Qatar? Saudi Arabia? The United Arab Emirates? Egypt? Jordan? 

Let us also not forget this. As is known, elections will be held in Israel on October 27. Netanyahu is further increasing his aggression and recklessness to both save his declining vote share and reputation, and to change the agenda by highlighting security policies and external threats. Netanyahu, who is also quite worn out due to corruption allegations against himself and his wife, cannot use security policies and military measures as comfortably as before because his most important rival, Gadi Eizenkot, is a former chief of general staff. Because he does not have the upper hand against his military-origin rival on this issue. Despite all the corruption, wear and tear, genocide, and massacres, it is observed that Netanyahu maintains his power over his party. Indeed, most of the candidates who won in the primaries are politicians close to Netanyahu. 

Qatar, which has many admirers and supporters in our country, not only supports Netanyahu in Israeli politics but also conducts joint exercises with the US, France, and Greece in the Eastern Mediterranean. Israel is also present in these exercises. 

Let us admit that Qatar neither cares about the Palestinian cause nor the innocent Muslims massacred in Gaza. It neither cares about the Islamic world nor Arab unity. It neither considers Turkey's sensitivities, priorities, and interests nor shares Turkey's worries and concerns.