Ex-PM Bennett Demands Shin Bet Remove Netanyahu Aide Amid Qatar Security Concerns
Translated & summarized from Mako by baba
Former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett has asked the Shin Bet chief to remove Prime Minister Netanyahu's advisor, Yonatan Urich, from the PM's office due to concerns over his work for Qatar. Revelations include Urich receiving hundreds of thousands of shekels for image-boosting projects during the war and meeting with Qatari officials. Bennett fears Urich's actions could be a severe security breach and harm Israel's peace treaty with Egypt.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Former PM Bennett asked Shin Bet to remove Netanyahu advisor Yonatan Urich over Qatar dealings.
- Urich allegedly received hundreds of thousands of shekels for Qatari image work during the war.
- Bennett fears Urich's activities could be a severe security offense and harm the Egypt peace treaty.
- Urich admitted continuing work for Qatar after October 7th, while Netanyahu denied knowledge.
- Bennett called the situation "the most severe betrayal in the country's history."
Former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett has formally requested that Shin Bet Director David Zini immediately remove Yonatan Urich, a close advisor to Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu, from any contact with the Prime Minister's office. The demand stems from recent revelations concerning Urich's alleged activities on behalf of Qatar, which Bennett argues may constitute a severe security offense and potentially jeopardize the peace agreement with Egypt.
Bennett's appeal follows a series of reports detailing Urich's continued work with Qatari entities during the ongoing war, including receiving hundreds of thousands of shekels for a project aimed at improving Qatar's image. Urich reportedly met with a senior official close to the Emir of Qatar in July 2024, nearly ten months after the war began, and also used ChatGPT to formulate a strategy for enhancing Qatar's reputation in Israel and among global Jewish communities.
In his letter, Bennett expressed grave concern, calling the situation "the most severe betrayal in the country's history." He questioned Netanyahu's awareness of Urich's activities, stating, "From the holy of holies, the Prime Minister's office, and during wartime, the person closest to the Prime Minister worked to whitewash Qatar and improve its image following the massacre it funded." Bennett urged the Shin Bet to investigate whether Urich's actions posed a threat to Israel's security interests, particularly concerning the peace treaty with Egypt.
Urich, in his testimony to investigators, admitted to continuing work for Qatari entities after October 7th, estimating the project concluded in mid-to-late 2024 and involved receiving hundreds of thousands of shekels. However, he denied that this work was for promoting Qatar's interests following the October 7th attack. Prime Minister Netanyahu, in his own testimony, stated he was unaware of Urich's work for Qatar and denied the possibility that his advisor was receiving money from them.
Bennett's request also includes direct questions to Netanyahu regarding his knowledge of Urich's dealings with Qatar and why he continues to employ and defend him. Bennett concluded by demanding that Zini prevent further harm to Israel's security until the matter is fully investigated.
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