The “Qatar-Gate” scandal has escalated with police arrests related to alleged Qatari payments to Netanyahu’s office. Netanyahu’s office denied wrongdoing, linking the situation to political attacks reminiscent of U.S. investigations against Donald Trump. Former Prime Minister Bennett criticized Netanyahu, suggesting potential treasonous behavior concerning Qatari influence in Israeli leadership. A gag order limits further information about the case.
The controversy surrounding the so-called “Qatar-Gate” intensified on Wednesday with police detaining two individuals suspected of having financial connections to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office from the Qatari government. In a statement on social media, Netanyahu’s office drew parallels between this situation and previous investigations targeting Donald Trump in the United States, denouncing it as an attack by a “leftist Deep State”. The post was removed shortly thereafter and subsequently reposted from Netanyahu’s personal account.
Details of the investigation remain scant due to a 30-day gag order imposed by police. Meanwhile, Israeli businessman Gil Birger has reportedly confessed to channeling payments from a Qatari lobbyist to Eli Feldstein, a spokesperson for Netanyahu. Following this confession, former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett harshly criticized Netanyahu, claiming that knowingly permitting Qatari influence might constitute treason, while lack of knowledge indicates significant security breaches within Israel’s leadership.
Bennett emphasized the sensitivity of the Prime Minister’s Office, accusing it of being compromised by illegal financial arrangements involving Qatar, which he noted is a primary financier of Hamas. In response, Netanyahu’s office vehemently denied these allegations as “baseless fake news,” asserting that no crimes were committed and labeling the ongoing allegations as a fabrication.
A strict gag order remains in effect, precluding the release of crucial aspects of the investigation. Major Israeli publications, including Ynet and Yedioth Ahronoth, have sought to lift this order, with a court hearing scheduled for April 6. Reports indicate that Feldstein, previously unable to pass a security clearance, may have been compensated through Qatari funds via multiple intermediaries, raising concerns about his financial status within Netanyahu’s office.
As the investigation progresses, Jonathan Urich, an ally of Netanyahu, has come under scrutiny for potentially facilitating these financial transactions, though his legal representative has denied any wrongdoing or knowledge of the alleged bribery.
In summary, the escalating “Qatar-Gate” scandal has raised serious concerns regarding the alleged involvement of Qatari funds in Netanyahu’s administration. With police detaining key suspects and amidst allegations of compromised security, the implications of these events are significant. Netanyahu’s strong denial and comparisons drawn to American political dynamics reflect an intense political landscape as the investigation unfolds under a strict gag order.
Original Source: www.ynetnews.com
