Did Lapid hand out free gifts to the Qataris?

Qatar's entry into gas exploration in Lebanon was approved during the Lapid government, despite Israel having a veto. Qatar is now promoting a plan for two power plants and a 20-year gas supply arrangement for Lebanon.

In November 2022, Kan News reported that the Energy Ministry had approved Qatari participation of up to 30% in drilling at Qana. According to the report, Israel had a veto over the additional partner's entry and gave Qatari participation the green light despite the absence of formal diplomatic relations between the two countries.

In January 2023, the transfer of a 30% interest in exploration Blocks 4 and 9 to QatarEnergy was completed. TotalEnergies' CEO explicitly linked the delineation of the maritime boundary with Israel to renewed momentum for exploration in Lebanon.

According to a Reuters report dated October 19, 2026, the proposal envisages two gas-fired power plants at Deir Ammar and Zahrani, each with a capacity of 825 megawatts, alongside liquefied natural gas supply for 20 years. At the time of the report, the plan still required approval from both governments and its terms were subject to change.

The two plants are intended for onshore sites in Lebanon. The sources reviewed provide no evidence that they would be built in the maritime area covered by the agreement or run on gas discovered at Qana. In January 2026, TotalEnergies said the Qana drilling had not produced positive results; according to Lebanon's petroleum regulator, rights to Block 9 reverted to the state effective March 1, 2026.

Our editorial question: Why did the Lapid government approve Qatari participation, and how were Israeli interests weighed in that decision?