Israel’s Attorney General, Gali Baharav-Miara, has ordered an investigation into potential connections between Prime Minister Netanyahu’s Office and Qatari authorities following reports of employees engaging with Qatar. The investigation involves allegations concerning the dissemination of favorable stories regarding Qatar and its image in Israel, which has prompted criticism from Netanyahu’s party and calls for the attorney general’s dismissal.
Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara has initiated an investigation into potential connections between certain employees of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s Office and Qatari authorities. This decision followed a meeting with representatives from the Israel Police and the internal intelligence service, Shabak, who presented information regarding the alleged ties between members of the Prime Minister’s Office and officials linked to Qatar.
The investigation is assigned to the Israel Police and Shabak (General Security Service, also known as Shin Bet). This announcement follows reports that Eli Feldstein, a spokesman for Netanyahu, allegedly engaged in activities for Qatar by disseminating favorable narratives to Israeli journalists. Furthermore, a report from Haaretz indicated last November that two close associates of Netanyahu, Yonatan Urich and Israel Einhorn, worked on a media campaign to enhance Qatar’s image ahead of the 2022 World Cup, hosted by the nation.
Qatar is recognized as a key mediator between Israel and Hamas, providing political refuge for certain leaders of the Palestinian group and is perceived by numerous Israeli officials as a sponsor of the Islamist organization. Consequently, Qatar is viewed by many as an adversarial state.
The Likud party, led by Netanyahu, has expressed criticism regarding the commencement of this investigation, asserting that it serves the interests of those conducting it. Furthermore, some members of the coalition government, particularly those from the right wing, have called for Attorney General Baharav-Miara’s dismissal, arguing that she is overstepping her authority and is influenced by political motivations.
In summary, Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara’s decision to investigate connections between Netanyahu’s associates and Qatari officials highlights significant political tensions in Israel. Both the investigation and the subsequent criticisms from Netanyahu’s party underscore the complex relationship between Israeli politics and foreign influence.
Original Source: aurora-israel.co.il
