Criminal Investigation Initiated into Netanyahu's Aides and Qatar Connections
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Synopsis
Israel's Attorney General has launched a criminal investigation into alleged connections between Prime Minister Netanyahu's aides and Qatar. The inquiry follows concerns over sensitive information and potential national security threats, particularly in light of reports linking Netanyahu's advisors to Qatar amid ongoing diplomatic tensions.
Key Takeaways
- Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara initiates an inquiry into Netanyahu's aides.
- Qatar's role in mediating between Israel and Hamas is pivotal.
- Investigation sparked by Shin Bet findings on sensitive interactions.
- Allegations involve former spokesperson Eli Feldstein leaking classified info.
- No formal diplomatic relations exist between Israel and Qatar.
Jerusalem, Feb 28 (NationPress) The Attorney General of Israel has initiated a criminal inquiry regarding the alleged suspicious connections between aides of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Qatar.
Qatar has been pivotal in facilitating dialogue between Israel and Hamas aimed at establishing a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip and securing the release of Israeli captives, as reported by Xinhua news agency.
Despite this, Qatar and Israel do not maintain formal diplomatic relations at present.
Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara stated on Thursday that the inquiry will be conducted by both the police and the Shin Bet domestic security service.
The decision to commence this investigation arose from a Shin Bet examination concerning interactions between high-ranking officials in Netanyahu’s office and Qatar, along with fears of sensitive information being jeopardized.
Baharav-Miara noted that her decision was informed by findings from the earlier probe, which revealed connections between individuals within the Prime Minister's Office and entities associated with the State of Qatar.
This announcement follows a series of investigative reports in local media that uncovered alleged business relationships between Qatar and Netanyahu's advisors Yonatan Urich and Yisrael Einhorn, as well as his former spokesperson Eli Feldstein.
In November 2024, Feldstein faced charges for leaking classified documents to media outlets, aiming to obstruct a hostage agreement with Hamas.
The Attorney General’s Office released this information in light of disclosures involving Feldstein, who has been accused of jeopardizing national security in a case tied to the theft and dissemination of classified IDF documents, and who worked for Qatar through an international firm engaged by Doha to promote pro-Qatar narratives to leading Israeli journalists.
The announcement by the Attorney General's Office followed a meeting between Baharav-Miara, State Attorney Amit Aisman, the head of the police’s investigations and intelligence division, and professionals from the Shin Bet.
During this meeting, information was shared regarding the links between individuals in the Prime Minister's Office and those connected to Qatar, as stated by the Attorney General's Office.
The investigation will be conducted by both the Shin Bet and the police.
