developing· Security· Updated 08:22

Netanyahu Aide Met Qatar Official Post-Oct. 7, Testimony Reveals

Yonatan Urich, a senior aide to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, met with senior Qatari official Ali Al-Thawadi at least twice in Europe in July 2024, approximately nine months after the war began. According to reports by Channel 12, one of these unofficial meetings took place in Berlin and was also attended by Netanyahu's advisor Srulik Einhorn and American lobbyist Jay Footlik. The meetings were not official diplomatic assignments on behalf of Israel and did not concern hostage or ceasefire negotiations.

6 newsrooms · 3 languages · since 14 Oct, 20:19

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What happened

01Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's aide Yonatan Urich met Qatari official Ali Al-Thawadi twice in Europe in July 2024.
02One meeting in Berlin was also attended by advisor Srulik Einhorn and American lobbyist Jay Footlik.
03The unofficial meetings did not concern hostage or ceasefire negotiations and were not official Israeli assignments.
04Urich confirmed the meetings during a police investigation but claimed he did not remember their purpose or locations.
05Prime Minister Netanyahu testified that he was entirely unaware of his advisor's contacts or meetings with Qatar.
06Opposition leaders Gadi Eisenkot and Yair Golan sharply criticized the meetings, with Golan calling the actions treason.
07Urich is a central suspect in the Qatargate scandal, which investigates alleged public relations work for Qatar by Netanyahu's aides.

During a police investigation in May 2025, Urich, who is a central suspect in the "Qatargate" corruption investigation, confirmed the meetings occurred but stated he did not remember their purpose, their exact locations, or presenting any ideas. He had previously denied knowing Footlik. Prime Minister Netanyahu testified to investigators that he was unaware of these contacts, stating that Urich never disclosed his ties to Qatar or updated him on any such meetings.

The revelations have sparked intense political criticism in Israel. Opposition leaders Gadi Eisenkot and Yair Golan condemned the meetings, with Golan accusing Urich of treason for meeting Qatari officials during wartime while soldiers fight and hostages are held by Hamas. Urich has denied acting to promote Qatar's interests in Israel, though reports note he previously asked ChatGPT to develop a strategic plan to improve Qatar's image.

Summarized by baba from the reports of 6 newsrooms. Updated 08:35