Channel 13 Reporter's Stay at Lobbyist's Home Raises QatarGate Questions

New revelations have surfaced regarding the personal connections of Suleiman Maswadeh, Channel 13's correspondent in the United States, amid the ongoing "Qatargate" scandal. According to a report in Haaretz, Maswadeh stayed for two weeks last month at the Virginia home of Jay Footlik, an American lobbyist who represents Qatar's interests and is considered a central figure in the Qatargate affair.

Maswadeh stated that he paid rent for the accommodation and that he and Footlik are long-time friends. Haaretz reported that the house is registered to Footlik and has been listed in documents related to his lobbying firm, Third Circle, and in contracts with the Qatari embassy in Washington for 2025-2026. Maswadeh reportedly broadcast from the property on at least two occasions before moving to Washington.

Maswadeh joined Channel 13 as a senior commentator and US correspondent in August, after nine years at Kan 11. The connection to Footlik is significant due to the Qatargate investigation, which is examining allegations that Footlik's firm transferred payments to Eli Feldstein, former advisor to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, in exchange for promoting Qatar's image and negatively portraying Egypt's mediation efforts. Police are investigating the flow of funds and potential bribery offenses, though Footlik himself has not yet been questioned.

Haaretz reported that Israeli investigators from Lahav 433 had planned to travel to the US to question Footlik in May 2025, but the trip was canceled shortly beforehand, with American officials reportedly citing an "order from above." If Footlik visits Israel, he will be required to undergo police questioning.

Maswadeh himself testified in the investigation about a year and a half ago, while still at the broadcasting corporation. He was questioned about his connections with Feldstein and materials transferred to the media. Maswadeh reportedly testified that Feldstein presented himself as a spokesperson for the Prime Minister and that Maswadeh had published information provided by Feldstein during the period when Feldstein was promoting messages for Footlik.

Channel 13 did not deny Maswadeh's stay but emphasized it was a personal matter unrelated to his journalistic work. The network stated that Maswadeh stayed in his friend's empty apartment to help him settle in after his move to the US. "Maswadeh never covered Footlik, his businesses, or any of his clients, nor did he broadcast information from him, but he erred in judgment. The news company stands behind Suleiman and fully supports his professional work," the channel said. They reiterated that Maswadeh and Footlik are long-time personal friends and the stay was a private matter. Footlik did not respond to the publication.