Israeli police have arrested two senior aides to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Jonatan Urich and Eli Feldstein, on suspicion of illicit ties to the Qatari government. The arrests are part of a corruption investigation dubbed “Qatargate,” which is probing potential foreign influence, national security breaches, and political misconduct.
Netanyahu himself was summoned by police to his office in Jerusalem after leaving his ongoing corruption trial earlier in the day. He will be questioned as someone with knowledge of the affair, local media reported.
Feldstein, Netanyahu’s former spokesperson, allegedly promoted pro-Qatari narratives to Israeli media while receiving payments from the Gulf state. The investigation centers on allegations that Feldstein worked for an international firm contracted by Qatar while simultaneously employed at the Prime Minister’s Office.
Netanyahu’s ruling Likud party has condemned the investigation as “politically motivated” and “an orchestrated effort to unseat the prime minister.” However, opposition leaders have pushed back against this narrative, calling for direct denials of financial ties between Netanyahu’s aides and Qatar.
The Qatargate probe is separate from other corruption cases involving Netanyahu, including bribery, fraud, and breach of trust. The investigation is operating under a court-imposed gag order until April 10.
Source: https://www.dw.com/en/top-advisers-to-netanyahu-arrested-in-corruption-case/a-72100829