New Intelligence Report May Weaken "Qatargate" Prosecution

A forthcoming opinion from the Mossad intelligence agency is expected to conclude that the security damage in the "Qatargate" affair was "marginal," according to a report by Channel 13 News. This assessment has raised concerns within the State Prosecutor's Office, which fears the new document could undermine the evidence gathered in the case.

Despite the Mossad's anticipated assessment, sources familiar with the matter indicated that the charge of contact with a foreign agent is likely to remain in the indictment, which will be filed subject to a hearing. Meanwhile, law enforcement officials have criticized the Mossad's stance, suggesting the agency is protecting its former operatives and avoiding labeling their actions as criminal.

Last August, Channel 13 reported that Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara was expected to indict Yonatan Urikh and Eli Feldstein on security offenses. An indictment, subject to a hearing, was also anticipated for a former senior Mossad official suspected in the case.

Contradictions have emerged between the testimonies of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his close associate Urikh regarding the work methods of spokespersons in the Prime Minister's Office. The discrepancy centers on who issued directives and whether Feldstein's actions had Netanyahu's approval. Netanyahu sought to distance himself from Feldstein professionally, stating they did not have regular work contact. "He cannot say he worked with me personally, that's simply not true," Netanyahu said, adding about Feldstein's status, "You know what a nobody is?"

Conversely, Urikh testified that spokespersons worked directly with the Prime Minister, asserting, "Spokespersons work directly with the Prime Minister, every announcement requires his approval." Approximately two months ago, the prosecution filed an indictment against Urikh in a separate case involving the leaking of classified documents to the German newspaper "Bild." The indictment against Feldstein and reservist Ari Rosenfeld was also amended. Urikh was added to the revised indictment, facing charges of knowingly conveying secret information to harm state security, conveying secret information, possessing secret information, and destroying evidence.