Lapid's Office Confirms Private Paris Meeting With Qatari Officials After Public Denial

Overview

• Kan News reported that Yair Lapid first held a closed-door discussion with senior Qatari representatives in Paris, followed by a separate meeting that included representatives of three hostage families.
• Lapid initially posted that there had been only one meeting with hostage families present, but his office later acknowledged an earlier private session with Qatari officials.
• Reports say Lapid praised Qatar’s role in hostage negotiations during the Paris talks and discussed potential steps to improve relations and future cooperation.
• Lapid announced he will submit legislation in the Knesset to designate Qatar an enemy state, citing what he described as Qatari support and financing for Hamas.
• His office accused the Prime Minister’s Office of secret financial ties with Qatar and facilitating cash transfers to Hamas, framing the leaks about the meetings as politically motivated allegations.