Netanyahu Aide Asked ChatGPT for Qatar Image Makeover Plan

Yonatan Urich, an advisor and confidant to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, reportedly asked ChatGPT in September 2024 to devise a strategic plan to improve Qatar's image both in Israel and globally. Leaked excerpts from Urich's investigation, revealed by Channel 12 News on Monday, show he sought ideas for a public relations campaign for Qatar, which hosts senior Hamas officials. Urich specifically requested messages tailored for Israeli citizens, global Jewish communities, and US opinion leaders, aiming to "whitewash Qatar" and enhance its reputation.

During his interrogation, investigators presented Urich with his requests to the AI chatbot, including prompts for "a global consciousness change strategy" concerning Qatar. One investigator reportedly confronted Urich, stating that his intentions and actions were evident from these requests. Urich was also quoted asking for "three key messages" for the specified target audiences to help "whitewash Qatar and improve its image."

When questioned about these inquiries, Urich claimed he did not recall their specific content and denied any actions taken to advance Qatar's interests in Israel. He asserted that he made no use of the responses received from ChatGPT.

Following the Channel 12 report, Urich addressed the matter on his X account, confirming he had posed questions to ChatGPT. However, he reiterated that he did not utilize the AI's output, stating that this was also proven during the investigation. He added that journalists had possessed this information for a long time but had not reported it, as he had done nothing with the queries.