Netanyahu’s Office Rocked by New Scandal Linking Close Advisers to Qatar

Tel Aviv: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office is embroiled in a new scandal after two of his close advisers were arrested on suspicion of accepting money from Qatar to promote the Gulf state’s image in Israel. The scandal has raised serious concerns due to Qatar’s controversial role in the region and its ties with Hamas, the Palestinian militant group.

Qatargate: The Scandal Unfolds

The affair, dubbed “Qatargate” by Israeli media, centers around allegations that Netanyahu’s advisers—Jonatan Urich, a longtime media consultant, and Eli Feldstein, his former spokesman—were paid to run a public relations campaign to improve Qatar’s image in Israel. This comes at a time when Qatar has been involved in ceasefire negotiations between Israel and Hamas.

According to reports, the payments were funneled through an American lobbyist, and Urich and Feldstein allegedly promoted Qatari interests while discrediting Egypt, another key mediator in the Israel-Hamas talks. The two advisers face possible charges related to contact with a foreign agent, money laundering, bribery, and breach of trust.

Netanyahu’s Denials and Fallout

While Netanyahu is not a suspect in the case, he has given a statement to police, dismissing the investigation as baseless and politically motivated. He has criticized the probe, calling it a “witch hunt” aimed at destabilizing his leadership. However, his critics argue that the scandal reveals how easily foreign actors might have infiltrated the inner circles of power in Israel.

The investigation into the advisers is just the latest in a series of scandals surrounding Netanyahu, who is already involved in a long-running corruption trial. Many observers have expressed concern over the influence of foreign entities, such as Qatar, on Israel’s domestic policies.

Qatar’s Role and Motives in the Scandal

Qatar, a key mediator for Hamas in ceasefire negotiations, has long been under suspicion in Israel due to its alleged support for the militant group. While Qatar denies backing Hamas, many Israelis view its involvement with skepticism, particularly given its ties to Hamas’ political leadership and its role in providing financial aid to Gaza.

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The current scandal has further complicated Qatar’s image in Israel. Some analysts suggest that the alleged public relations campaign was an attempt to counteract criticisms of Qatar’s involvement in Gaza and to bolster its image ahead of international negotiations. “Qatar brings up a lot of emotions in Israel,” said Yoel Guzansky, a senior researcher at the Institute for National Security Studies. He added that Qatar’s efforts to improve its regional standing might have been at the expense of Egypt, a key Israeli ally.

Netanyahu’s Political Struggles Amid Scandal

The ongoing investigation has added to Netanyahu’s mounting political pressure. He is already facing criticism for his handling of the October 7, 2023, attack by Hamas and the subsequent failure to prevent it. Mass protests have erupted in Israel in recent weeks over his decisions regarding the Gaza ceasefire, the firing of key security officials, and his alleged attempts to interfere with ongoing investigations.

In addition to the Qatar scandal, Netanyahu has been criticized for attempting to dismiss Shin Bet chief Ronen Bar, who was investigating the prime minister’s ties to Qatar. This move has led to accusations that Netanyahu is trying to block the investigation into his office’s potential wrongdoing.

A New Chapter in Netanyahu’s Ongoing Controversies

As the investigation into the alleged Qatar links continues, Netanyahu’s political future hangs in the balance. Whether or not the accusations prove to be true, the scandal has once again put Israel’s leadership under a microscope. With mass protests and growing concerns over his leadership, Netanyahu faces a challenging path ahead.