The Qatari regime is “on the verge of collapse” and “won’t last many more years,” outspoken dissident and human rights activist Khalid al-Hail told Maariv in an explosive interview.  Despite its growing international footprint, Hail warned that deep unrest and mounting internal opposition are bringing the ruling family in Doha to the brink.

Hail, who was imprisoned in Qatar for his activism, claimed that “serious activity to change the regime” has been underway since August. “There will certainly be a fundamental change,” he said. “Not only do I think so, but so do all the intelligence reports we are exposed to — and I know this from my direct contacts.”

According to Hail, an unnamed senior source told him that while Washington remains committed to protecting Qatar as a state, U.S. support does not extend to Emir Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani personally. “The Qatari people need to understand that protection for the country already existed — Trump only confirmed it with his decree,” he said. “I am zealous for my homeland, but I oppose my country being in the hands of a vile and despicable regime.”

Calling the emir “the greatest liar in history,” Hail recalled being personally invited to return to Qatar under assurances of safety — only to be arrested upon arrival. “He told me, ‘Let’s meet one-on-one in Qatar, nobody will touch you.’ The moment I arrived, they put me in prison,” he said.

Hail also alleged that Qatar exerts influence over Israeli media outlets, including Haaretz, through public relations intermediaries. “I’ve seen articles published by official bodies,” he said. “I’m not saying the funding is entirely from Qatar, but Qatari influence exists through PR firms that affect the paper. It adopts the same approach that exists within the Qatari regime.”

His own research institute, the Khaled al-Hail Institute, recently released a report titled Qatar Narrative Watch analyzing 500 news items from September alone. “We found that much of the information originates with the Qatari government and is promoted indirectly through actors and institutes,” he explained. “It’s not just indirect influence — there’s also direct involvement, buying people.”

Hail traced today’s power structure back to the 1995 coup in which then–Crown Prince Hamad bin Khalifa deposed his father, Sheikh Khalifa bin Hamad. “The influence of ‘the Hamads’ — meaning Hamad bin Khalifa and former Prime Minister Hamad bin Jassim — was greater than what the father could handle,” he said.

According to Hail, Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, the current emir’s mother, was central to consolidating that power. “Her father was the leader of the Qatari opposition,” he revealed. “To solve this problem, Hamad bin Khalifa married Sheikha Moza. Those who actually rule Qatar today are her sons.”

He described Moza as a powerful behind-the-scenes figure shaping policy, education, and ideology. “There’s no doubt she has direct influence on the emir,” he said.

Hail described his imprisonment in Qatar as brutal and lawless. “They say they are democratic and human rights protectors — it’s all lies,” he said. “Qatar is an absolute monarchy. There is no real law. I was interrogated up to 18 hours a day — all lies and false accusations.”

He portrayed a country divided between genuine Qataris and naturalized foreigners who fill the regime’s ranks. “Ninety percent of the Qatari people live in fear of the government,” he said. “What you see on television — that’s not the real Qatar.”

In his concluding remarks, Hail issued stark warnings to the Qatari emir and to Israel. “My message to Emir Tamim is clear: stop with the adventures, because you are endangering the Qatari people. You provoked Iran, and the Iranians attacked you. You provoked Israel, and the Israelis attacked you.”

“To the government in Israel,” he added, “do not agree to establish relations with the Qatari regime — not in security terms and not as mediators. Do not agree to anything until the influence of Hamas, the Muslim Brotherhood, and all the terrorists that the Qatari regime supports has ended.”

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