Qatar Influence Campaign in Israel: Leaked Transcripts Reveal Key Figure's Role

Transcripts from the investigation of businessman Gil Birger by Lahav 433 have reportedly revealed a different version of Eli Feldstein's involvement in the "Qatargate" affair. Feldstein, who served as the Prime Minister's spokesperson for security affairs, allegedly claimed that funds he received from Birger were for intermediary work for the Prime Minister's office and that he never believed he was promoting foreign interests. However, the transcripts suggest Feldstein was knowingly recruited for an influence campaign to improve Qatar's image in Israel during the war.

Birger, who acted as a conduit for funds between Qatar's lobbyist Jay Putlik and Feldstein, testified that Putlik selected Feldstein for the project in March 2024. "Jay Putlik informed me that after examining six consultants, he chose him," Birger stated. "Eli appealed to him because he was energetic, supported the idea, and explained he had good connections in the right-wing press, which was important to Jay." This contradicts Feldstein's claim that he met Putlik only in the summer, months after receiving funds.

According to Birger, a conference call and a subsequent meeting at the Norman Hotel in Tel Aviv clarified Feldstein's role. Putlik reportedly introduced Feldstein and Birger as the contacts in Israel, emphasizing the project's message: Qatar's angle regarding the hostages in negotiations. Birger also testified that Putlik mentioned a work contract between him and Feldstein, with payments routed through Birger to avoid VAT issues.

Feldstein allegedly presented himself to Putlik as a media consultant with strong ties to Israeli journalists, leveraging his background in the IDF spokesperson's unit and the office of former minister Ben-Gvir. He reportedly convinced Putlik of his ability to effectively convey messages. However, at the time, Feldstein was officially serving as the Prime Minister's spokesperson for security affairs.

Journalists reportedly received Qatari messages daily, believing they originated from the Prime Minister's office. Feldstein allegedly managed the campaign in a WhatsApp group with Birger and Putlik. In messages revealed by reporter Gidi Weitz in Haaretz, Feldstein wrote about a planned "first move" to be broadcast on Channel 12's prime-time news, stating, "Nir Dvori will convey the message, Qatar continues to push for a hostage deal even in recent days." He also requested "current messages from the Qataris all the time so we stay relevant."

Further evidence includes videos sent to Putlik by Feldstein and media consultant Sharulik Einhorn, documenting the campaign's success with translated broadcast clips, particularly highlighting influence within right-wing media. When Feldstein shared a positive article from Channel 14 portraying Qatar as a "strategic partner in managing Gaza post-day," Birger responded, "Great, this is really significant," and Feldstein replied, "This is really getting into the base."