Israeli Lawyer's Opinion Cleared Qatar Consulting, Report Claims

An Israeli lawyer provided a legal opinion that allegedly cleared a Qatari lobbying project in Israel, according to a report by legal correspondent the legal correspondent.

Qatari lobbyist Jay Peterlik reportedly sought the opinion from Israeli lawyer Galad Shar to legitimize cooperation with the Prime Minister's advisors. Peterlik requested Shar's assessment on whether a Qatari project in Israel, involving local companies and individuals in journalism, PR, social media, and government relations, would be legally permissible under Israeli law. The project also included hiring Israeli subcontractors, flying Israelis to Qatar, and conducting activities within Qatar, with future plans for cultural and academic exchange.

Shar issued a signed opinion in June 2024 stating that Qatar is not an enemy state and that the proposed activities are not prohibited by Israeli law. However, the report highlights that Shar's opinion allegedly ignored Qatar's funding of Hamas and the October 7th massacre. It also points out that Shar himself had previously posted on social media in February 2025, accusing Qatar of funding Hamas, the October 7th massacre, and even Netanyahu's office, while mentioning that a campaign was being built to improve Qatar's image.

A contract was also revealed between Peterlik and Eli Feldstein, detailing Feldstein's role in providing PR and media support for projects, focusing on outreach to journalists and media influencers outside the United States. Feldstein was to be paid $5,000 per month, though the report questions how this amount eventually reached approximately 40,000 shekels.

Lawyers representing Peterlik, Uri Korab and Sivan Russo, stated that the content of Shar's legal opinion is protected by attorney-client privilege and they would not comment on its substance. They added that since October 7th, Peterlik has been working tirelessly, at his own expense and at the request of Israeli and American families, to help bring their loved ones home, including meeting with families and various entities to support hostage release efforts. They asserted that all of Peterlik's actions were conducted within the bounds of both U.S. and Israeli law.