Israeli businessman Gil Birger has confessed to transferring money to Eli Feldstein, a former aide to PM Netanyahu, as a favor related to tax issues. This follows recent investigations into connections between the Prime Minister’s Office and Qatar, amid concerns over state secret violations. A gag order limits further details about the investigation.
Recent developments in the Qatar-Gate affair have emerged, involving Israeli businessman Gil Birger. In a recording disclosed by Israel’s Reshet Bet, Birger admitted to transferring funds from Jay Footlik, an American lobbyist for the Qatari government, to Eli Feldstein, a former aide to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Birger stated that this transfer was executed as a favor related to tax issues.
Feldstein received this money during his tenure as Netanyahu’s spokesperson. It remains unclear if he was aware the funds originated from Qatar. When asked about the transaction’s purpose, Birger confirmed the transfer was for tax reasons, emphasizing his long-standing relationship with Footlik, but disclaimed involvement in any operational details, stating, “I don’t work on this, I don’t work in the country, I have no connection to people in the country.”
This revelation gains significance in light of the Shin Bet security agency’s investigation, which is scrutinizing links between the Prime Minister’s Office and Qatar. The inquiry arose from concerns over potential threats to state secrets. The recent findings follow representations made by lawmakers Gilad Kariv and Naama Lazimi to the Shin Bet regarding reports of Netanyahu’s aides providing services to the Qatari state, which has been associated with Hamas funding. However, an imposed gag order restricts further information on the investigation.
The admission by Gil Birger regarding the transfer of funds from an American lobbyist to a former aide of Prime Minister Netanyahu adds a critical chapter to the ongoing Qatar-Gate investigation. As scrutiny from security agencies intensifies, the case raises serious questions about potential misconduct within the Prime Minister’s Office, notably amidst concerns surrounding the state’s relationship with Qatar and its implications for national security.
Original Source: www.i24news.tv
