Netanyahu Aide Accused of Using ChatGPT for Qatar Image Campaign

Translated & summarized from Hamal by baba

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Yonatan Urich, an advisor to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, is under investigation for allegedly using ChatGPT to develop a strategy to improve Qatar's image. Urich initially denied involvement but was confronted with evidence of his requests to the AI. The revelations have drawn strong condemnation from political figures and families of October 7th victims, who accuse Urich of betraying Israel and question Netanyahu's support for him. Leaked personal messages attributed to Urich have also surfaced, with his lawyers claiming they were tampered with.

The story in 6 lines · by baba

Prime Minister Netanyahu's advisor, Yonatan Urich, is being investigated for using ChatGPT to create a Qatar image improvement plan.
Urich initially denied involvement but was presented with evidence of his requests to the AI during questioning.
Former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett called the affair "the most severe betrayal case in the country's history."
Gadi Eisenkot stated Netanyahu is "unfit for his role" due to the alleged actions of his advisor.
Families of October 7th victims expressed outrage, calling Urich's alleged actions a betrayal of those held captive and murdered.
Leaked personal messages allegedly from Urich's phone have also surfaced, with his lawyers claiming they were altered.

Netanyahu Aide Accused of Using ChatGPT for Qatar Image Campaign — Editorial illustration generated by baba News, not a photograph of the event.

Yonatan Urich, an advisor and confidant to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, allegedly asked ChatGPT to create a strategic plan to improve Qatar's image in Israel and globally. This emerged from quotes published from his investigation on Channel 12, as reported by Amnon Abramovich. Urich reportedly sought ideas for enhancing the public image of Qatar's prime minister and the Emir, as well as messages tailored for different audiences.

Initially, Urich denied any involvement in a pro-Qatar campaign, stating, "I have no connection to this matter." However, investigators presented him with correspondence from September 2024, where he allegedly requested a "global consciousness-changing strategic plan" regarding Qatar. Despite being shown these exchanges, Urich continued to deny acting in Qatar's interests, claiming he did not recall specific queries to the chatbot and that he did not act on behalf of Qatar in Israel.

The revelations sparked sharp political reactions. Former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett called the affair "the most severe betrayal case in the country's history," accusing Netanyahu of covering up the alleged betrayal. Gadi Eisenkot, chairman of the "Yashar" party, labeled it a "consciousness operation and psychological terror" against Israeli citizens and deemed Netanyahu unfit for his role.

Families of October 7th victims also expressed outrage. Einav Tsengauker, mother of hostage survivor Matan Tsengauker, criticized Urich's alleged actions while her son was held captive. Shelly Meshel Yogev, mother of murdered Libi Cohen Yogev, stated Urich was working to "whitewash the funders" of the massacre. Shir Matias, whose parents were murdered on October 7th, questioned why Netanyahu continued to support his advisor.

Separately, alleged leaked correspondence between Urich and political commentator Amit Segal caused controversy. Urich's lawyers claim his WhatsApp account was hacked and messages were altered, threatening legal action.