In a developing scandal that has gripped Israeli politics, former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett has called for current Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to resign. This demand follows shocking allegations that payments from Qatar may have been funneled to an aide of Netanyahu, Eli Feldstein, while he served as spokesman for the Prime Minister's Office. The controversy raises serious questions about foreign influence and security in Israel.
On March 19, 2025, it was reported that two suspects were detained and questioned regarding potential Qatari cash transfers to Netanyahu's aides. At the core of the investigation is Eli Feldstein, who has been charged with leaking classified information to a German newspaper. More troubling is the inquiry into whether Qatar, a nation frequently criticized for its ties with Hamas, paid Feldstein to further its own interests in Israel.
Bennett, who served as Israel's Prime Minister from 2021 to 2022, vehemently condemned the alleged financial ties between Feldstein and Qatar, stating: “This is no longer a rumor, but a fact that was published this morning.” He emphasized the severity of the situation by claiming that accepting such funds could amount to treason. ‘The terrorist government of Qatar financed the security spokesman of the Israeli prime minister, during wartime,’ he tweeted.
The scandal is compounded by recent recordings aired by Kan public broadcaster, which featured Israeli businessman Gil Birger alleging that he transferred funds from a Qatar-employed U.S. lobbyist to Feldstein while he was in his role. Birger claimed that the payments were related to negotiations concerning hostages, underscoring Qatar’s contentious role as a mediator between Israel and Hamas over the years.
Feldstein's defense team, however, maintains that the funds he received were strictly for his work in the Prime Minister's Office, insisting they were not connected to the Qatari government. Complicating matters, reports indicate that Feldstein did not take a direct salary from the Prime Minister's Office during part of his employment, allegedly due to having not passed a necessary security clearance.
Bennett further criticized Netanyahu's handling of the situation, declaring that if he were in Netanyahu's position, he would have terminated any staff member who accepted funds from a foreign government. ‘If it was done knowingly, it’s treason against Israel. As simple as that,’ he stated. Bennett's comments reflect a broader sentiment among his supporters who believe that national security must take precedence over any political allegiance.
Despite the mounting pressure, Netanyahu has yet to dismiss anyone involved in this escalating scandal. Instead, reports suggest that he plans to convene a cabinet meeting on March 20, 2025, to discuss his intentions regarding Shin Bet chief Ronen Bar, which may indicate a strategy to refocus accountability in his administration.
As the investigation proceeds, Bennett's supporters contend that Netanyahu has lost the moral authority to lead Israel in times of conflict. They argue that his failure to act decisively in the face of these allegations, which they label as “Qatargate,” undermines public trust in the government. Bennett commented on this, stating, ‘The government and its head have completely shattered any shred of public trust in their motives.’
While some factions within the Knesset support Bennett's calls for action against Netanyahu, the ruling Likud party has fiercely pushed back. They issued a statement referring to Bennett as a “crook who stole the votes of the right” and attempted to undermine his credibility by recalling his government's past decisions regarding funds to Gaza and labor policies. This underscores the deep political divisions that continue to fragment Israeli leadership.
The ongoing political fallout from this scandal is substantial. A recent Channel 12 survey indicated that Bennett, should elections be held now, could potentially form a 62-seat coalition without relying on any of the pro-Netanyahu factions. This projection suggests that with the right conditions, Bennett could return to leadership, underlining the shifting landscape of Israeli politics.
As this scandal continues to unravel, observers are left questioning how the implications of potential foreign influence will reshape political allegiances in Israel. With Hamas, the ongoing conflict, and Qatar's strategy at play, the circumstances surrounding Feldstein's alleged leaks could draw attention away from pressing issues facing the country today.
Ultimately, the question remains: who knew what, and when? As investigative teams delve deeper into this entwined matter of security and power, it is clear that the future of Netanyahu’s administration could very well hinge on revelations stemming from this inquiry. For now, both public perception and political dynamics remain in delicate balance as the situation evolves. The world watches closely, eager to see the next chapter in Israel's turbulent political landscape.
