Ex-Shin Bet Chief Slams Netanyahu Over 'Corrupt Circle' and Qatar Image Campaign

Former Shin Bet chief Yoram Cohen launched a scathing attack on Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, accusing him of surrounding himself with a "corrupt circle" of individuals. Cohen's criticism, aired on Kan News, was prompted by a recent report revealing that Netanyahu's close advisor, Yonatan Uriach, allegedly used AI tools like ChatGPT to devise a strategy for improving Qatar's image in Israel. Cohen called for the current Shin Bet head, David Zini, to investigate the matter.

Cohen described Uriach's alleged activities as those of an "influence agent," suggesting that individuals close to the Prime Minister are being paid by foreign entities, specifically mentioning Qatar's support for terror groups and its role in Hamas's armament. He argued that such actions, aimed at improving Qatar's image domestically and harming relations with Egypt, constitute a violation of the law. Cohen further alleged that individuals within the Prime Minister's inner circle leak sensitive war-related information to foreign journalists for political gain within Israel.

The former Shin Bet head also raised concerns about financial impropriety and obstruction of justice, pointing to an individual who allegedly alters and falsifies financial reports submitted to the State Comptroller. He also mentioned another associate who allegedly accessed sensitive information related to an investigation into leaks and used it to expose details to an external party.

Cohen expressed dismay that Netanyahu continues to provide protection to these individuals, some of whom allegedly lack security clearance and access sensitive military bases and discussions. He concluded that Netanyahu's actions demonstrate a fundamental breach of trust, leading Israel with a hollow, deceitful, manipulative, and self-serving leadership.