Netanyahu Aides Linked to Romanian Nationalist Party Accused of Antisemitism
Translated & summarized from Ynet by baba
An investigative report alleges that Yonatan Urich, an advisor to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, and Yisrael Einhorn, a strategic advisor, drafted campaign messages for the Romanian nationalist party AUR. The party, whose members have been accused of antisemitic views, denied employing the Israelis but acknowledged an offer of cooperation. Urich and Einhorn are also reportedly involved in the Qatar-gate affair being investigated in Israel. The report raises questions about the transparency of their work and its connection to their roles in Israel.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Netanyahu advisor Yonatan Urich and strategist Yisrael Einhorn allegedly drafted messages for Romania's nationalist AUR party.
- Leaked WhatsApp communications reportedly show Urich and Einhorn discussing strategy with AUR leader George Simion.
- AUR party members have faced accusations of holding antisemitic and fascist views.
- Urich and Einhorn are also reportedly involved in the Qatar-gate affair under investigation in Israel.
- AUR representatives denied employing the Israelis but confirmed an offer of cooperation.
An investigative report from Romania suggests that Yonatan Urich, an advisor to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, and Yisrael Einhorn, a strategic advisor previously associated with Netanyahu and the Likud party, drafted campaign messaging for the Romanian nationalist party AUR (Alliance for the Union of Romanians). The report, published by Snoop.ro, is based on leaked WhatsApp communications from Urich.
Urich and Einhorn are reportedly involved in the Qatar-gate affair being investigated in Israel. The leaked conversations from August and September of this year indicate that Urich and Einhorn discussed communication strategies for AUR and its leader, George Simion, who is described as a supporter of Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin. They also discussed potential meetings with Simion and formulated messages that the party subsequently used in its official communications, including some targeting Romanian President Nicolae Dan.
While representatives of AUR denied employing Urich and Einhorn, they acknowledged receiving a cooperation offer from the "Israeli side." The report notes that while Israeli communication consultants working for foreign entities is not prohibited, questions arise regarding the transparency of Urich and Einhorn's involvement and its potential connection to their work for Netanyahu. The report also questions AUR's denial of the findings.
The AUR party is characterized as a far-right, populist, and extremist movement in Romania, with a branch in Moldova. Founded in 2019, it is currently the second-largest party in Romania's parliament. Some party members have faced accusations of antisemitic and fascist views. The party has previously downplayed the significance of the Holocaust and defended figures from the WWII Romanian regime, drawing sharp condemnation from organizations like Yad Vashem. Simion himself has denied accusations of antisemitism and has met with Israeli representatives.
AUR advocates for the unification of Romania and Moldova, maintains pro-Russian and pro-Israel stances, and reportedly enjoys around 35% public support. In August 2023, the Israeli Ambassador to Romania, Reuven Azar, met with Simion, an initiative that drew criticism from Jewish organizations and political figures for legitimizing a far-right party.
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