Qatar is trying to take advantage of the crisis that Lebanon is facing due to the war between Israel and Hezbollah and expand its involvement in this arena as well. Even before the Israeli ground incursion into Lebanon on October 1, it was reported that the United States had asked Qatar to help promote an agreement between Israel and Hezbollah for a ceasefire. The expansion of Qatar’s involvement in Lebanon is also possible because most Arab countries, and especially the rich Gulf states, have stayed away from any significant involvement in the collapsing country in recent years, mainly due to Iran’s growing influence there through Hezbollah, as well as the understanding that aid to the failed Lebanon is a “bottomless pit.” At the same time, Qatar saw the lack of involvement on its part as an opportunity to increase its influence while making use of its good relations with Iran on the one hand and the United States on the other.
Qatar has a clear interest in strengthening its image and position in the international arena by diplomatic activity, assistance, and mediation in general, as well as maintaining solidarity with all Arab parties, and particularly now as working for the Lebanese people. As far as Israel is concerned, Qatar’s identification with the Muslim Brotherhood, its ties with Hamas, and its negative attitude toward Israel all arouse suspicion in relation to it and doubt about its willingness to assist in issues that apparently also serve Israel’s interests. This suspicion is also valid in relation to Qatari influence efforts in Lebanon.
At the same time, Israel cannot ignore Qatar’s importance to the United States, and especially when it becomes clear that even in Lebanon, Qatar is acting at the request of the United States and in coordination with it. Therefore, it’s important that Israel engages in dialogue with the US administration regarding Qatar’s involvement in Lebanon as part of the necessary discussion following the war over Lebanon’s future. In this way, Israel can reach an agreement with the administration on Qatari involvement in Lebanon, which will reflect Doha’s ties with all the forces in power in Lebanon and its financial ability to help rebuild the collapsing state. However, in agreement with the American administration, this aid should be conditional and should benefit the state of Lebanon and all its residents, with the main goal being to prevent Lebanon from falling into the hands of Hezbollah and Iran.
Qatar is trying to take advantage of the crisis that Lebanon is facing due to the war between Israel and Hezbollah and expand its involvement in this arena as well. Even before the Israeli ground incursion into Lebanon on October 1, it was reported that the United States had asked Qatar to help promote an agreement between Israel and Hezbollah for a ceasefire. The expansion of Qatar’s involvement in Lebanon is also possible because most Arab countries, and especially the rich Gulf states, have stayed away from any significant involvement in the collapsing country in recent years, mainly due to Iran’s growing influence there through Hezbollah, as well as the understanding that aid to the failed Lebanon is a “bottomless pit.” At the same time, Qatar saw the lack of involvement on its part as an opportunity to increase its influence while making use of its good relations with Iran on the one hand and the United States on the other.
Qatar has a clear interest in strengthening its image and position in the international arena by diplomatic activity, assistance, and mediation in general, as well as maintaining solidarity with all Arab parties, and particularly now as working for the Lebanese people. As far as Israel is concerned, Qatar’s identification with the Muslim Brotherhood, its ties with Hamas, and its negative attitude toward Israel all arouse suspicion in relation to it and doubt about its willingness to assist in issues that apparently also serve Israel’s interests. This suspicion is also valid in relation to Qatari influence efforts in Lebanon.
At the same time, Israel cannot ignore Qatar’s importance to the United States, and especially when it becomes clear that even in Lebanon, Qatar is acting at the request of the United States and in coordination with it. Therefore, it’s important that Israel engages in dialogue with the US administration regarding Qatar’s involvement in Lebanon as part of the necessary discussion following the war over Lebanon’s future. In this way, Israel can reach an agreement with the administration on Qatari involvement in Lebanon, which will reflect Doha’s ties with all the forces in power in Lebanon and its financial ability to help rebuild the collapsing state. However, in agreement with the American administration, this aid should be conditional and should benefit the state of Lebanon and all its residents, with the main goal being to prevent Lebanon from falling into the hands of Hezbollah and Iran.