Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu faces scrutiny in the ‘Qatar-Gate’ affair following the arrest of two suspects linked to alleged Qatari payments to his office staff. Netanyahu’s office draws parallels with political investigations of Trump, while former PM Bennett accuses him of possible treason due to Qatari influence. The investigation continues under a stringent gag order, limiting public information regarding the allegations.
The controversy surrounding Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu intensified with the arrest of two individuals connected to alleged payments from the Qatari government to staff members in his office, referred to as the “Qatar-Gate” affair. Following these arrests, a statement posted on the official X account of Netanyahu’s office drew comparisons to the political investigations experienced by former U.S. President Donald Trump. The post alleged that both nations are facing opposition from a ‘leftist Deep State’ that manipulates the justice system to undermine right-wing leaders’ electoral victories.
Immediately after the arrests, details of the investigation were limited due to a 30-day gag order imposed by police, and Netanyahu refrained from further comment. Tensions escalated when Israeli businessman Gil Birger confessed to directing funds from a Qatari lobbyist to Eli Feldstein, a spokesperson within Netanyahu’s office. Former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett sharply criticized Netanyahu, suggesting that such actions could represent treason if conducted with knowledge or indicate a troubling infiltration of Qatari influence if done unknowingly.
Bennett further alleged that a senior adviser in Netanyahu’s office received undisclosed payments from Qatar, emphasizing that the funding originated from an entity known to support Hamas during a time of conflict. In response, Netanyahu’s office strongly refuted these claims, labeling them as “baseless fake news” and denying involvement in any illicit financial transactions, calling the accusations a desperate attempt at fabrication.
The ongoing investigation complicates matters, with leading media outlets seeking to lift the gag order for further details. Reports indicate that Eli Feldstein, who previously did not qualify for a security clearance, likely received payments indirectly through a convoluted structure involving Qatari funds and lobbyists.
Additionally, close Netanyahu ally Jonathan Urich has been implicated in facilitating these financial arrangements, though his attorney disputes any claims of his involvement, stating he was unaware of the arrangements made through Birger. The Attorney General’s Office has assigned Shin Bet and the police to thoroughly investigate the extent of Qatar’s influence and connections to Netanyahu’s administration, suggesting that the implications of this scandal could be significant.
In conclusion, the unfolding ‘Qatar-Gate’ scandal concerning Prime Minister Netanyahu raises critical questions about financial ties between his administration and Qatari interests. Amid claims of political maneuvering reminiscent of U.S. investigations against Donald Trump, Netanyahu, and his allies deny any wrongdoing. The situation is further complicated by ongoing police investigations and a stringent gag order, limiting public knowledge of the case’s details. As the investigation progresses, the implications for Netanyahu’s leadership and Israeli security are profound, demanding close scrutiny.
Original Source: www.ynetnews.com
