Mossad Opinion on 'Qatargate' Security Breach Expected to Be Minor, Raising Prosecution Concerns

A forthcoming opinion from Israel's Mossad intelligence agency is expected to classify the security breach in the "Qatargate" affair as "marginal," a determination that has caused concern within the State Prosecutor's Office. Prosecutors fear this assessment could weaken the evidentiary basis for the case, although they anticipate the charge of contact with a foreign agent will remain in the indictment, pending a hearing. Sources close to the investigation suggest the Mossad is perceived as protecting its operatives by avoiding a criminal definition of their actions. In August, it was reported that the Attorney General was expected to indict Jonathan Orik and Eli Feldstein on security offenses, with a former senior Mossad official also facing charges pending a hearing. Mossad Director Roman Gofman, who previously served as Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's military secretary, may face a conflict of interest due to his proximity to the suspects. Legal advisors to the government and the Prime Minister's Office are examining whether this relationship precludes him from signing the Mossad's opinion. The Mossad stated at the time that the matter was under review by the organization's legal counsel. A significant discrepancy exists between the accounts of Netanyahu and Orik regarding the "Qatargate" affair and the leaking of classified documents to the German newspaper "Bild." The core of the dispute centers on who issued directives and whether Feldstein's actions had Netanyahu's approval. Netanyahu testified that he did not have a regular working relationship with Feldstein, stating, "He cannot say he worked with me personally, that is simply not true." He questioned Feldstein's standing, asking, "Do you know what a person who was nothing is?" Conversely, Orik's testimony presents a direct link, asserting that spokespersons work directly with the Prime Minister and require his approval for every message. This testimony is crucial as it implies Netanyahu's active involvement in approving content released by his office. Approximately two months ago, prosecutors filed an indictment against Orik for leaking classified documents to "Bild" and amended indictments against Feldstein and reservist Ari Rosenfeld for stealing and publishing sensitive information from the IDF's Intelligence Directorate. Orik was added to the amended indictment, facing charges including conveying secret information with intent to harm national security, possessing secret information, and destroying evidence.