Israel’s Foreign Ministry proposed a plan to discredit Qatar early in the Gaza war, but it was halted due to warnings from Mossad chief David Barnea about its potential impact on hostage negotiations.
Following the onset of the Gaza conflict on October 7, a strategy was devised by Israel’s Foreign Ministry aimed at damaging Qatar’s reputation on the international stage. Reports indicate that the plan received approval from then Foreign Minister Eli Cohen. However, due to cautions raised by Mossad chief David Barnea, the initiative was subsequently put on hold, as it risked jeopardizing crucial negotiations regarding hostages involving the emirate.
In summary, the decision by the Mossad chief to intervene illustrates the interplay between diplomacy and intelligence operations in sensitive negotiations. The initial plan to discredit Qatar, although approved by the Foreign Ministry, was ultimately deemed potentially harmful to ongoing hostage dialogues, underscoring the complexities of international relations during conflict.
Original Source: www.haaretz.com
