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Ongoing Story· Day 2

Netanyahu Advisor Uriach Planned Qatar Image Campaign, Interrogation Quotes Reveal

2 developments

N12Security

Families of Victims Outraged Over Netanyahu Advisor's Qatar Image Campaign

Translated & summarized from N12 by baba

CenterCharged tone

Hebrew · 17 newsrooms covering

Families of victims of the October 7th attacks are outraged after it was revealed that Yonatan Urich, a close advisor to Prime Minister Netanyahu, used ChatGPT to create a plan to improve Qatar's image. The requests, made in September 2024, aimed to "whiten" Qatar's reputation, which families described as the funder of Hamas. Urich denied acting on Qatar's behalf in Israel, but victims' families have sharply criticized him and questioned Netanyahu's continued support.

The story in 6 lines · by baba

  • Prime Minister Netanyahu's advisor Yonatan Urich used ChatGPT to build a plan to improve Qatar's image.
  • Families of October 7th victims and released hostages are outraged by Urich's actions.
  • Urich's requests to ChatGPT included ideas to "whiten" Qatar's reputation and its leaders.
  • Victims' families accused Qatar of funding Hamas and the October 7th massacre.
  • Urich denied acting on Qatar's behalf in Israel during his investigation.
  • Families demanded an explanation from Prime Minister Netanyahu for his continued support of Urich.
Families of Victims Outraged Over Netanyahu Advisor's Qatar Image Campaign
Editorial illustration generated by baba News, not a photograph of the event.

Families of Israelis murdered on October 7th and hostages released from Hamas captivity have expressed fierce anger following the revelation that Yonatan Urich, a close advisor to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, used ChatGPT to develop a strategy for improving Qatar's public image in Israel. The report, initially aired by "Ha'Midorha Ha'Merkazit," detailed Urich's requests to the AI in September 2024 for ideas to "whiten" Qatar's reputation and enhance the image of its prime minister and emir, targeting Israeli citizens, global Jewish communities, and US opinion leaders.

During an investigation, Urich was confronted with these requests, which included seeking ways to "whiten Qatar and improve its image." He claimed not to recall the specific queries, stating he uses ChatGPT for many topics and denied acting on Qatar's behalf in Israel. Urich, who previously stated his work for Qatar related to the World Cup and a time when Netanyahu was in opposition, asserted he did not engage with Israeli media, citizens, or the Prime Minister for Qatar.

Families of victims condemned Urich's actions. Yigal's mother, Libi Cohen Maguri, who was murdered at the Nova music festival, questioned why Netanyahu continues to support Urich, calling Qatar the "sponsor of Hamas" and accusing Urich of trying to "whiten the funders who financed the murder of Libi."

Einav Tsengauker, mother of released hostage Matan Tsengauker, highlighted the timing of Urich's efforts, noting her son was suffering in Hamas tunnels while Urich was crafting image campaigns for Qatar, which she called the "funder of the massacre."

Lishi Miran, wife of hostage survivor Omri Miran, criticized the government's past messaging to hostage families, stating they were told their advocacy helped Hamas, while Urich, described as Netanyahu's "right hand," was advising Qatar, the funder of the terrorists who held her husband. She demanded an apology after two years of struggle and fighting for their loved ones' return.

N12Centre · Neve Ilan

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