Tel Aviv (Agencies): Israeli defense firms have reportedly signed multi-million dollar arms contracts with Qatar, despite the absence of formal diplomatic ties between the two nations. The deals, approved by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and the Israeli Ministry of Defense, involve leading defense companies Elbit Systems, Rafael Advanced Defense Systems, and Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI).
According to reports, Elbit Systems secured contracts worth over $100 million, while Rafael signed agreements valued in the tens of millions of dollars. IAI has maintained a long-standing relationship with Qatari officials, including at least 20 visits to Doha and hosting a high-level Qatari delegation at its headquarters in Israel.
The agreements reportedly cover weapons, ammunition, cyber technology, and advanced military equipment. However, the deals have sparked controversy, particularly amid allegations of Qatar’s financial support for Hamas. Documents seized by Israel in Gaza allegedly reveal that Qatar provided discreet financial backing for Hamas’s military operations following the May 2021 conflict.
Despite the sensitive nature of these transactions, Israeli defense firms have stated that their international activities comply with strict export regulations. Elbit Systems emphasized that its operations are subject to Israeli Defense Ministry guidelines, while Rafael declined to disclose details about its business partners but affirmed adherence to international compliance standards.
The revelation of these defense contracts comes amid heightened geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, with Israel and Qatar maintaining complex diplomatic relations. While Qatar has historically played a mediating role in regional conflicts, its alleged ties to Hamas have raised concerns within Israeli security circles.