Prominent Israeli Think Tank Releases Report on Qatar’s Destabilization of Middle East

Institute for National Security Studies report highlights how Qatar’s support for terror groups fuels instability in the Middle East and is hinders efforts for regional peace.

Qatar’s foreign policy, defined by its support for Islamic terror groups like Hamas and its tense relations with neighboring Gulf states, remains a major obstacle to regional stability, according to a recent analysis by the Israeli Institute for National Security Studies (INSS). By offering political, financial, and diplomatic legitimacy to extremist groups, Qatar fuels ongoing conflicts and undermines efforts for peace, the analysis argues.

Although Doha portrays itself as a neutral mediator in Middle Eastern affairs, its actions often bolster radical factions, escalate tensions, and alienate it from emerging regional alliances like the Abraham Accords. As other Arab nations strengthen ties with Israel, Qatar’s policies continue to obstruct peace efforts and empower forces that threaten security and stability across the region.

Support for Hamas and Destabilization in Gaza

One of the most contentious aspects of Qatar's foreign policy is its financial and political support for Hamas, the governing entity in the Gaza Strip. Qatari officials argue that their funding is meant for humanitarian relief, but the INSS note that Palestinian officials have long criticized Qatar’s financial transfers to Gaza, claiming that they empower Hamas.

The INSS highlights the complexity of Israel’s stance on Qatar, stating: "Israel’s dilemma regarding Qatar stems from the fact that while Qatar has long undermined Israeli interests, its policies, at times, have simultaneously served other Israeli interests." Despite Qatar’s role in funding Hamas, Israel has maintained engagement with the Gulf state due to its mediatory role in negotiations with Hamas.

Furthermore, the analysis notes: "Without the decisive defeat of Hamas and an effort to establish a Palestinian alternative in its place, Qatar may once again become the primary actor influencing events in Gaza."

Qatar’s financial backing of Hamas strengthens extremist elements, prolongs the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, and obstructs meaningful peace negotiations. With each escalation between Israel and Hamas, questions arise regarding the extent to which Qatari financial assistance contributes to sustaining hostilities.

Strained Relations with Gulf Neighbors

Beyond its support for Hamas, Qatar’s broader regional policies have alienated its neighbors within the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, and Egypt imposed a blockade on Qatar from 2017 to 2021, citing its ties to extremist groups such as the Muslim Brotherhood and its growing relationship with Iran.

The INSS report explains Qatar’s strategic hedging, stating: "Since 1995, it has pursued a strategy of diplomatic hedging—building relationships with multiple, often competing, actors." This enables Qatar to maintain ties with opposing factions, sometimes at the expense of regional cohesion.

Opposition to Israel’s Normalization Efforts

While countries like the UAE, Bahrain, Morocco, and Sudan have embraced normalization with Israel through the Abraham Accords, Qatar has remained opposed. It has rejected the accords and continues to support anti-Israel actors. The INSS notes Qatar’s balancing act: "Officially, Qatar maintains that it will not establish full diplomatic relations (normalization) with Israel unless an Israeli-Palestinian agreement leads to the establishment of a Palestinian state."

This position allows Qatar to play both sides—appealing to pro-Palestinian sentiment while still maintaining discreet ties with Israel—ultimately undermining regional stability.

Al Jazeera’s Role in Regional Polarization

Another key factor in Qatar’s influence is its media network, Al Jazeera, which has been accused of promoting Islamist narratives, maintaining close ties to Hamas, and fueling anti-Israel sentiment. The INSS states: "Despite harsh Qatari criticism and even incitement against Israel, mainly through Al Jazeera’s broadcasts, Israel only recently (and temporarily) closed the network’s offices—a sign of its longstanding preference to ‘contain’ Qatari hostility rather than escalate tensions.”

Furthermore, the Palestinian Authority has also taken action against Al Jazeera. The report notes: "In early 2025, tensions escalated when the Palestinian Authority announced the suspension of Al Jazeera broadcasts in Palestinian territories," citing accusations of incitement and support of extremism.

A Role in Peace or Further Division?

As the Middle East undergoes a historic transformation with new alliances and economic partnerships, Qatar’s continued support for terrorist organizations and its adversarial stance toward Israel place it at odds with these changes. The INSS suggests that Qatar’s future involvement in Gaza could be reshaped: "If and when Hamas is dismantled, Qatari aid could be redirected as part of a broader Arab-led reconstruction mechanism for Gaza."

Given the ties between Qatar and the United States, Israel must carefully navigate its policy toward Doha. The INSS advises: "In any scenario, Israel must coordinate its policy toward Qatar with the United States—both to avoid harming U.S. interests and to leverage American influence over Qatar to its own advantage."

While Qatar’s foreign policy remains a source of contention, Israel faces the challenge of balancing pressure against Doha with maintaining necessary diplomatic channels. The future of Qatar’s involvement in Gaza and the broader Middle East will largely depend on shifts in Israeli, U.S., and regional strategies.