Qatargate Investigation Delayed, Public to Decide on PM's Aides
Translated & summarized from Zman Yisrael by baba
An investigation into the "Qatargate" affair, involving alleged dissemination of Qatari talking points by Prime Minister Netanyahu's aides to Israeli media, is delayed until after the upcoming elections. Leaked correspondences suggest Eli Fuldstein coordinated with Qatari interests, even during hostage negotiations. Advisor Yonatan Urich is also implicated, facing charges in a related classified documents case. The investigation is further stalled awaiting a national security assessment from the Mossad.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Eli Fuldstein, a Netanyahu aide, allegedly coordinated with Qatari interests to influence Israeli media coverage.
- The "Qatargate" investigation's conclusion is delayed until after the upcoming Israeli elections.
- Advisor Yonatan Urich faces charges in a separate classified documents case and is implicated in Qatargate.
- Israel Einhorn reportedly admitted in a Serbian investigation to serving "Qatari interests" for payment.
- The investigation is stalled awaiting a national security assessment from the Mossad.
- Prime Minister Netanyahu has reportedly not cooperated with investigators seeking his testimony.
An investigation into the "Qatargate" affair, which allegedly involves Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's aides disseminating Qatari talking points to Israeli media, is unlikely to conclude before the upcoming elections. The police completed their investigation in January, but a decision on indictments is now expected only after the vote.
New details revealed by "Haaretz" from leaked correspondences suggest that Eli Fuldstein, a media advisor to Netanyahu, coordinated with Qatari lobbyist Jay Puthlik and businessman Gil Birger. Fuldstein allegedly promised to create a "proxy" on Channel 12 to counter critical commentary, boasting that reporter Nir Dvorai would deliver messages verbatim. The campaign also reportedly aimed to discredit Egypt, a rival mediator with Hamas, and promote Qatar as a reliable intermediary.
During negotiations for hostage releases, Fuldstein reportedly expressed concern about the impact on families, but Birger dismissed this, stating, "Israel's position is not relevant. What's important to us is that there is a Qatari effort." Fuldstein allegedly responded, "Obviously."
Further complicating the case, Israel Einhorn, an advisor who previously worked with Netanyahu, reportedly admitted in a Serbian investigation in July 2025 to serving "Qatari interests" and receiving payment from Puthlik. Einhorn allegedly contradicted Fuldstein's denials, stating Fuldstein knew he was working for Qatar.
Yonatan Urich, another advisor to Netanyahu, is also implicated. Investigators reportedly presented Urich with evidence suggesting he connected Fuldstein and Einhorn. According to Einhorn's testimony, Urich received $16,000 monthly from Qatar's World Cup image campaign. Urich allegedly used ChatGPT to develop a campaign to improve Qatar's image among Israeli and international audiences. He is currently indicted in a separate case involving classified documents and denies wrongdoing.
The Qatargate investigation is reportedly stalled as the State Prosecutor's Office awaits an opinion from the Mossad regarding potential harm to national security. The Mossad's director has been recused from the case due to personal ties with Netanyahu and Urich. The Attorney General reportedly wishes to add charges of contact with a foreign agent, but is awaiting the Mossad's assessment.
Former Police Commissioner Roni Alsheich expressed strong suspicions that Qatar influenced the Prime Minister's office, suggesting that Urich's continued employment by Netanyahu might be to prevent damaging revelations. Netanyahu himself has reportedly not cooperated with requests to provide testimony.
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