Netanyahu Rocked by New Scandal Tied to Qatar: Corruption and Foreign Influence
Israel is once again at the center of a political earthquake as Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu faces a fresh scandal involving two of his closest advisers. Dubbed “Qatargate” by Israeli media, the controversy raises alarming concerns about corruption and foreign influence at the highest levels of government.
Netanyahu’s Advisers Allegedly Promoted Qatari Interests
Jonatan Urich, Netanyahu’s longtime media strategist, and Eli Feldstein, his former spokesperson, are accused of secretly working to improve Qatar’s image in Israel. According to court documents, payments were funneled through an American lobbyist to spread pro-Qatar narratives while undermining Egypt’s role in ceasefire negotiations between Israel and Hamas.
The scandal is particularly sensitive because Qatar is widely viewed in Israel as a supporter of Hamas. While the Gulf state denies backing the militant group, its financial aid to Gaza – approved by Netanyahu in the past – has long been a subject of controversy.
Netanyahu Accused of Protecting His Inner Circle
Though Netanyahu has not been officially named as a suspect, he was questioned by police regarding the case. The prime minister has dismissed the investigation as a “political witch hunt” and accused authorities of holding his advisers “hostage”—a choice of words that sparked outrage, as dozens of Israelis remain captives in Gaza following Hamas' October 7, 2023 attack.
The scandal emerges amid growing scrutiny over Netanyahu’s leadership. He is already battling a long-running corruption trial and has been accused of attempting to remove the head of Israel’s domestic security agency, which is investigating the Qatar links.
Qatar’s Hidden Hand in Israeli Politics?
Qatar has positioned itself as a key mediator in Gaza, but experts suggest its alleged PR campaign in Israel aimed to deflect criticism and influence U.S. policymakers. Some believe it was also designed to weaken Egypt’s standing as a regional power broker.
This explosive scandal raises a pressing question: Did Netanyahu know that his inner circle was secretly advancing Qatari interests? As the investigation unfolds, the Israeli public watches closely, demanding transparency and accountability.