Netanyahu Slams Qatar Investigation as ‘Witch Hunt’ After Close Aides Arrested

• Apr 2, 2025

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has condemned a police probe into alleged links between his associates and Qatar, calling it a politically motivated "witch hunt" after providing testimony in the case.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has fiercely criticized an ongoing police investigation into alleged ties between his aides and Qatar, labeling it a politically driven "witch hunt." The remarks came after Netanyahu testified to police regarding the case, which has already led to the arrest of two of his close associates.

On Monday, Israeli police arrested Yonatan Urich, a senior adviser to Netanyahu, and Eli Feldstein, his former spokesman. The pair were detained on suspicions of accepting illegal payments from Qatari-linked sources as part of what has been dubbed "Qatar-gate." Both deny any wrongdoing.

While Netanyahu has not been named a suspect, he accused law enforcement of detaining his aides as "hostages," claiming: "There is no case." He also posted a video online after his police testimony, saying, "This is a political investigation. They are making the lives of Urich and Feldstein miserable over nothing."

A Qatari official rejected the investigation, calling it a "smear campaign" targeting Qatar, which has played a central role mediating between Israel and Hamas during the war in Gaza.

The scandal unfolds amid growing domestic unrest over Netanyahu’s policies, including his decision to resume military operations in Gaza without securing the release of all Israeli hostages, his dismissal of the Shin Bet security chief, and his controversial push to overhaul Israel’s judiciary.

Though Israel’s police released few details due to a court-imposed gag order, Israeli media reports identified the suspects and listed possible charges including money laundering, bribery, fraud, breach of trust, and contact with a foreign agent.

According to a ruling by Judge Menahem Mizrahi at Rishon LeZion Magistrates' Court, the investigation centers on suspicions that Urich and Feldstein promoted Qatari interests in exchange for money. The court extended their detention by three days, citing "reasonable suspicions" that needed thorough investigation. Police had originally sought a nine-day extension.

The judge said investigators believe a U.S. lobbying firm working for Qatar funneled payments through an Israeli businessman to Feldstein, allegedly arranged by Urich. The aim, according to investigators, was to positively influence Qatar’s image and diminish Egypt’s role in Gaza ceasefire talks.

A recently leaked recording reportedly captures the businessman admitting to transferring funds to Feldstein on behalf of the Qatari-linked lobbyist. Feldstein’s legal team insists the payments were for legitimate communication services to the prime minister’s office and denies any link to Qatar. Urich also denies involvement.

Additionally, police suspect Urich of relaying messages from a Qatari-linked source to journalists, disguised as statements from Israeli political or security officials. His legal team, including Netanyahu's personal defense attorney Amit Hadad, plans to request the full lifting of the gag order, arguing it has already been repeatedly violated.

Qatar, which has hosted Hamas political leaders and provided substantial financial aid to Gaza since 2018, has denied any wrongdoing. Its funding was used to pay civil servants, support impoverished families, and provide fuel for Gaza’s power plant — with Israeli governments approving the transfers. Critics argue the money helped sustain Hamas’s rule.

During the current conflict, Qatar has played a vital role in brokering two ceasefires and hostage deals, alongside the U.S. and Egypt. The most recent truce, from January 19 to March 18, collapsed after both sides accused each other of violating its terms.

Netanyahu has alleged that the probe is intended to block his dismissal of Shin Bet director Ronen Bar, who was fired on March 21 over alleged intelligence failures leading to Hamas’s October 7 attack — a move now suspended by Israel’s Supreme Court. Critics argue the firing was politically motivated.

While the court considers petitions against Bar’s dismissal, he remains in his role. Netanyahu is permitted to interview replacement candidates, but his office recently reversed the appointment of Vice Adm Eli Sharvit as the new Shin Bet chief following backlash. Likud party members and U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham criticized Sharvit due to his previous participation in anti-government protests and past statements critical of U.S. policy.

The Netanyahu administration continues to defend its actions, asserting that the Qatar investigation is part of a broader effort to undermine the prime minister and the right-wing government. The full extent of the case remains under wraps, but public scrutiny and political tension continue to rise.