For years, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of Israel has been standing trial for corruption while overseeing conflicts in Gaza, Lebanon, and Syria. He is now involved in a police investigation that has renewed opposition calls for his resignation.
The case, referred to as “Qatargate,” centers on allegations that Mr. Netanyahu’s media advisers were compensated by a representative of Qatar to promote Qatari interests within the Israeli media. This development has sparked outrage among many Israelis due to concerns of conflict of interest, given Qatar's history of hosting leaders from Hamas.
Mr. Netanyahu's attempts to terminate the head of the Shin Bet, Israel’s internal security agency, have intensified public scrutiny. The Shin Bet initially initiated the investigations into Mr. Netanyahu’s aides.
Mr. Netanyahu has characterized the case as a “political manhunt” intended to undermine his leadership, while a Qatari official described it as a “smear campaign” distracting from Qatar’s mediating efforts between Israel and Hamas.
Investigations are focused on whether aides Jonatan Urich and Eli Feldstein endeavored to cultivate a favorable portrayal of Qatar in Israeli news outlets. They are suspected of collaborating with an unnamed individual to suggest that Qatar played a more significant role than Egypt in facilitating a ceasefire in Gaza.
On Monday, Mr. Urich and Mr. Feldstein were arrested, and a judge has extended their detention for three additional days. Their lawyers have refrained from making comments.
Mr. Urich, a former military media officer, is known as one of Mr. Netanyahu’s most trusted strategists and has been integral to the prime minister’s communications strategy in previous elections. He also works for a public relations firm that has no ties to Qatar, according to its owner.
Mr. Feldstein also held a position as a military press officer and began his role as a liaison to military reporters at the onset of the war. He has previously faced allegations related to leaking classified information.
The investigation records do not indicate that Qatar directly engaged with Mr. Netanyahu’s aides. Rather, they suggest the aides were instructed by ThirdCircle, a U.S.-based lobbying entity that represents Qatar in various countries. Records indicate that ThirdCircle compensated Mr. Feldstein through an Israeli intermediary.
Although Mr. Netanyahu is not a suspect, he was questioned by police for over an hour on Monday, forcing him to leave his ongoing corruption trial early. He is accused of providing regulatory favors to businessmen in return for bribes and favorable media coverage, charges he denies.
The Shin Bet has played a significant role in the investigations. Mr. Netanyahu's attempt to dismiss the agency's director has led to further speculation that he is retaliating against the agency for its inquiries.
The situation has elicited strong reactions due to Qatar's longstanding support for Hamas and its provision of over $1 billion in aid to Gaza since 2018. U.S. officials initially endorsed the arrangement, and the Israeli government requested the aid. This dual relationship raises concerns among Netanyahu's critics that individuals with access to sensitive information may simultaneously represent a nation closely allied with Israel’s adversary.
Netanyahu’s conflict with the Shin Bet has heightened perceptions of a conflict of interest and fueled criticisms regarding his capability to govern amidst multiple personal challenges. Additionally, this case may exacerbate fears regarding his motivations behind judicial reforms.