The “Qatar-Gate” affair involves the detention of two key suspects in an investigation into alleged Qatari payments to staff in Prime Minister Netanyahu’s office. Netanyahu’s office has denied any wrongdoing, comparing the situation to political probes against leaders like Trump. The legitimacy of these allegations is currently under scrutiny amid a gag order, with calls for greater transparency in the matter.
The recent escalation of the so-called “Qatar-Gate” scandal saw police detaining two individuals implicated in an investigation concerning alleged financial transactions between the Qatari government and personnel within Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office. Following these arrests, Netanyahu’s office posted a statement on X comparing the situation to purported political probes against former President Donald Trump, asserting that the justice system is being misused by a “leftist Deep State” to undermine strong leaders. This controversial post was later removed but reappeared on Netanyahu’s personal account.
Amid a 30-day gag order preventing further disclosures, Netanyahu has remained silent regarding the detentions, despite public interest in the growing scandal. The matter intensified after businessman Gil Birger confessed to channeling funds from a Qatari lobbyist to Eli Feldstein, a spokesperson in Netanyahu’s office. Former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett responded vehemently, accusing Netanyahu of allowing Qatari influence to permeate his administration, warning that such actions could be interpreted as treason.
Bennett further alleged that a senior security adviser in Netanyahu’s team received covert payments from Qatar, emphasizing the implications of a foreign nation sponsoring an Israeli official in a time of conflict. However, Netanyahu’s office refuted these claims, labeling them as “baseless fake news” and dismissing any suggestions of wrongdoing.
The ongoing police investigation is impeded by a sweeping gag order, prompting major Israeli news outlets to seek judicial intervention for its lift, with a court session scheduled for April 6. Reports reveal that Feldstein, previously failing a security clearance assessment, received payment indirectly from Qatari sources, highlighting a complex financial web involving various actors, including lobbyist Jay Footlik and businessman Gil Birger.
As revelations continue to unfold, Jonathan Urich, a close associate of Netanyahu, has faced allegations of facilitating these financial arrangements, although his legal team asserts that he had no connection to Birger or any illicit payment schemes. The Attorney General’s Office has mandated a thorough inquiry by Shin Bet and police regarding the suspected ties between Qatar and Netanyahu’s administration.
The unfolding “Qatar-Gate” scandal has cast a shadow over Prime Minister Netanyahu’s administration, drawing parallels with international political controversies and invoking serious allegations from former political figures. While Netanyahu maintains his innocence, the complexity of the financial arrangements purportedly involving Qatari funds presents significant implications. With ongoing investigations and public discourse intensifying, the need for transparency in government dealings remains paramount.
Original Source: www.ynetnews.com
