Netanyahu Aide Admits Meeting Qatar Official During War

By ברק רביד

Translated & summarized from Mako by baba

CenterNeutral tone

Hebrew · 3 newsrooms covering

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's advisor, Yonatan Urich, admitted to police that he met with senior Qatari official Ali Al-Dhawadi abroad during the war. Al-Dhawadi is a key figure in Qatar's government and handles its "Israel portfolio." Urich also faced questions about using ChatGPT to improve Qatar's image. Netanyahu was reportedly unaware of these meetings.

The story in 5 lines · by baba

Prime Minister Netanyahu's advisor Yonatan Urich admitted meeting senior Qatari official Ali Al-Dhawadi during the war.
Al-Dhawadi is a key Qatari figure who handles the country's "Israel portfolio" and has met Trump and Netanyahu.
Urich's meetings with Al-Dhawadi occurred nine months after the October 7th attacks.
Urich also used ChatGPT to develop a strategy for improving Qatar's image.
Netanyahu was reportedly unaware of his advisor's meetings with the Qatari official.

Netanyahu Aide Admits Meeting Qatar Official During War — Editorial illustration generated by baba News, not a photograph of the event.

Yonatan Urich, an advisor to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, admitted during a police investigation that he met with a senior Qatari official, Ali Al-Dhawadi, abroad during the ongoing war. Al-Dhawadi is described as a key figure in the Qatari government, a close confidant of the Emir, and handles Qatar's "Israel portfolio." He has previously met with former U.S. President Donald Trump and Netanyahu himself.

Al-Dhawadi is considered one of Washington's most influential diplomats and has been heavily involved in hostage negotiations during the war. Urich's meetings with him reportedly occurred nine months after the October 7th attacks. Urich stated during his interrogation that he "barely remembers" one meeting and was unsure of the exact location, suggesting it may have been in London, Paris, or Germany. He also denied knowing about business dealings with Qatar.

Investigators also questioned Urich about his use of ChatGPT to develop a strategic plan for improving Qatar's image. Urich reportedly used the AI to generate ideas for enhancing the perception of the Emir and the Qatari Prime Minister among the Israeli and American public. He denied acting to promote Qatar, claiming he uses ChatGPT for various topics and does not recall specific questions asked.

According to the report, other individuals may have attended some of the meetings in Europe, including Sharulik Einhorn and lobbyist Jay Putterlik, though Urich denied meeting Putterlik. Prime Minister Netanyahu was reportedly unaware of his advisor's contacts with Qatar.