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

Footlik, whose name is also spelled Putterlik or Pootlik in reports, is under investigation for allegedly bribing Eli Feldstein, an advisor to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Investigators suspect Footlik's lobbying firm, Third Circle, which has contracts with the Qatari embassy in Washington, transferred payments to Feldstein. In return, Feldstein allegedly promoted Qatar's image while serving as Footlik's campaign spokesperson in Israel.

Maswadeh previously testified in the investigation, which is examining information Feldstein allegedly shared with journalists. Maswadeh stated that Feldstein had approached him on security matters while presenting himself as the Prime Minister's representative. Investigation materials suggest Maswadeh published information provided by Feldstein.

In response to the reports, Maswadeh stated that he and Footlik are long-time friends, that he paid rent for the stay, and that he never published anything concerning the lobbyist. Channel 13 defended Maswadeh, stating the stay was for brief personal preparations unrelated to his journalistic duties, though the network acknowledged it was an error in judgment.