Israel's Foreign Minister Invites Fugitive Suspect to Embassy Opening

Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar invited Israel Einhorn, a man linked to several criminal investigations including "Qatargate" and the "Bild" affair, to an official ceremony for the opening of Israel's embassy in Ljubljana, Slovenia. Einhorn is considered a fugitive with an active arrest warrant against him, according to a report by Haaretz. Sa'ar's office confirmed Einhorn's invitation, stating that he "contributed and contributes to Israel-Slovenia relations."

Einhorn's alleged involvement spans multiple cases. He is a key suspect in the "Qatargate" affair, which involves the alleged theft and leaking of classified documents to foreign media. He also faces charges in connection with the harassment of a state witness in another case, alongside other defendants. Despite these allegations and the standing arrest warrant issued by Israeli police in January, Einhorn has previously attended other Israeli embassy events, including one in the United States with then-Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana.

Einhorn, who has reportedly been in Serbia, has previously negotiated with Israeli authorities regarding his potential testimony and conditions for investigation, including a request to avoid arrest if he returned to Israel. Prosecutors have rejected these terms, emphasizing that Einhorn was asked to present himself for questioning and that his choice to remain abroad was his own. The article notes that Einhorn is a close associate of Benjamin Netanyahu and previously managed the Likud party's campaign.