Michael Eisenberg, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s representative for Gaza affairs, held a private meeting in New York on Wednesday with Ali Al-Thawadi, a representative of Qatar’s emir, according to a Saturday evening broadcast by Israel’s Channel 12. The diplomatic encounter occurred roughly 24 hours before Prime Minister Netanyahu delivered a sharp public rebuke of Qatar at the United Nations General Assembly, highlighting a striking contrast between behind-the-scenes negotiations and public rhetoric.
Behind-the-Closed-Doors Negotiations in New York
The discussion between Eisenberg and Al-Thawadi lasted for approximately half an hour in New York. According to Channel 12, their talks centered heavily on the Gaza Strip proposals advanced by US President Donald Trump, reviewing on-the-ground developments and practical methods for implementing the plan’s specific provisions. Both representatives also addressed humanitarian measures that Israel had previously committed to putting into practice within the Gaza Strip.
This bilateral meeting followed a dedicated “Peace Council” session that focused on framework plans for the initial reconstruction of Gaza. Channel 12 reported that Al-Thawadi had previously taken part in a White House conference call during which Prime Minister Netanyahu offered an apology to Qatar’s prime minister.
The Public Rebuttal at the United Nations
The cooperative tone of Wednesday’s private talks vanished the next day during the United Nations General Assembly. In his address, Prime Minister Netanyahu publicly accused Qatar of spending billions of dollars to disseminate what he characterized as lies concerning Israel. He further alleged that Doha has provided sanctuary to Hamas members tied directly to the October 7 attack.
Expanding on his critique, Netanyahu characterized the international information space as an “eighth front” running parallel to the active military fronts Israel confronts. He specifically targeted Qatar by highlighting the nation’s historical financial investments in American universities and major media outlets, explicitly naming Al Jazeera. Netanyahu also drew a parallel during his speech by claiming that billions of dollars have similarly been funneled by Turkey to spread falsehoods about Israel.
Did You Know?
Ali Al-Thawadi previously participated in a White House conference call where Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu apologized to Qatar’s prime minister, preceding their half-hour diplomatic meeting in New York.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Who participated in the New York meeting?
Michael Eisenberg, who serves as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s representative for Gaza affairs, met with Ali Al-Thawadi, a representative of Qatar’s emir.
What topics were discussed during the half-hour meeting?
The two representatives discussed US President Donald Trump’s plan for the Gaza Strip, ongoing developments in the region, ways to carry out the plan’s provisions, and humanitarian measures Israel committed to implementing in Gaza.
What did Prime Minister Netanyahu say about Qatar in his UN speech the next day?
Netanyahu accused Qatar of spending billions of dollars to spread lies about Israel, hosting Hamas members involved in the October 7 attack, and investing in US universities and media outlets like Al Jazeera.
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