Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu defends aides amid allegations of Qatari financing, stating Qatar is not an enemy state. He argues that praise from various Israeli figures for Qatar complicates accusations against his team, particularly regarding the so-called Qatargate investigation.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has publicly defended his aides amid allegations of receiving financial support from Qatar, stating that the Gulf state is “not an enemy state.” In a recent video statement, he acknowledged Qatar’s complexity but emphasized that it does not categorize as an adversarial nation.
Netanyahu contended that his aides have been falsely accused, suggesting that many individuals within Israel, including rivals and intelligence officials, have expressed admiration for Qatar. He made this defense following a video release where he accused police of unjustly detaining two of his aides in the so-called Qatargate investigation.
In his assertions, Netanyahu specifically defended Jonatan Urich, a key aide involved in the inquiry. He remarked, “Jonatan is a dedicated employee. He does not have access to any classified intelligence material, but they say he praised Qatar.” Netanyahu posed a rhetorical question regarding who truly praised Qatar, highlighting that opposition leader Yair Lapid had commended the country for its involvement in hostage negotiations.
Furthermore, Netanyahu noted that National Unity chairman Benny Gantz has frequently praised Qatar, recalling Gantz’s visit to the country to negotiate the sale of surveillance software before entering politics. Additionally, he mentioned that Shin Bet chief Ronen Bar has visited Qatar multiple times for negotiations and was present during the World Cup events in 2022.
In summary, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s remarks illustrate his defense of aides accused of misconduct related to Qatar funding, characterizing Qatar as a non-hostile nation. He highlights the praise for Qatar from various political figures in Israel, thereby framing the current allegations as politically motivated. This situation underscores the complexities of international relations and domestic politics affecting Israel’s interactions with Qatar.
Original Source: www.presstv.ir
