In Israel, the "Qatargate" scandal: The Prime Minister's advisor has been arrested
In Israel, two suspects have been arrested in connection with the 'Qatargeyt' case. They are to be questioned regarding potential connections between the office of Israeli Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu and representatives from Qatar. This was reported by the KAN agency, citing a statement from the Israeli police on Monday.
Who are the arrested individuals?
According to police officials, the names of the arrested individuals have not been disclosed. However, a report from Israel's Channel 12 states that law enforcement agencies have arrested Netanyahu's senior advisor Yonatan Urix and former press secretary Eli Feldshteyn.
According to sources from the television channel, investigators are demanding clarification from the arrested individuals regarding the source of the funds and whether they worked for Qatar or not. This situation could lead to a significant political controversy within the Israeli government.
Who is conducting the investigation?
The investigation is being carried out by the Israeli police's “Lahav 433” national crime-fighting unit and the General Security Service (SHABAK). Previously, SHABAK had been involved in investigating potential connections between employees of the Israeli Prime Minister's office and Qatari officials.
What is Qatar's involvement?
According to the Times of Israel, Israeli Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara decided to initiate the investigation after information was found indicating that Eli Feldshteyn, who was previously accused of leaking classified documents of the Israeli Defense Forces, had worked for Qatar through an international firm hired by the state.
The publication reports that Feldshteyn participated in a campaign funded by Qatar and provided Israeli journalists with pro-Qatar materials.
World Cup and Netanyahu's aides
Additionally, reports have emerged that Netanyahu's aides Yonatan Urix and Israel Aynhorn established public relations in Qatar ahead of the 2022 World Cup.
The court has prohibited the disclosure of investigation details
The Israeli court has prohibited the public disclosure of the details of this investigation. So far, Netanyahu and his office have not provided an official comment on the matter. However, this controversy is expected to cause a significant stir in Israeli political life.
