In the wake of the devastating attacks by Hamas on October 7, 2023, a scandal has emerged that has shaken the foundations of Israeli politics, drawing attention to the intricate web of influence involving Qatar and key figures in Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's administration. Dubbed "Qatargate," this controversy has raised serious national security concerns as allegations surface that Netanyahu's advisors were involved in providing public relations services to Qatar while simultaneously serving the Israeli government.
The scandal began to unfold shortly after the Hamas attacks, which resulted in the deaths of approximately 1,200 individuals and the abduction of 251 hostages. As the conflict escalated, scrutiny intensified around Qatar's role as a significant backer of Hamas. Reports revealed that Eli Feldstein, a junior spokesperson for Netanyahu, had allegedly been compensated to enhance Qatar's image in Israel during a critical period of ceasefire and hostage negotiations. This revelation has prompted investigations by the Shin Bet, Israel's internal security service, into the potential conflicts of interest and breaches of national security.
According to Israeli Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara, the allegations against Netanyahu's advisors are serious enough to warrant an investigation, which she cited in her efforts to block Netanyahu from firing Shin Bet chief Ronen Bar. The prime minister's attempt to dismiss Bar came just weeks after the investigation into his advisors was initiated, raising questions about the timing and motivations behind the move.
Feldstein's involvement as Netanyahu's spokesperson for military affairs began shortly after the war in Gaza erupted. Initially hired as an outside contractor to expedite the staffing of the Government Press Office, Feldstein's transition to a full-time role was thwarted by the Shin Bet's refusal to grant him the necessary security clearance. Consequently, he continued his work as a contractor, which allowed him to engage in outside business activities.
Yonatan Urich, another prominent figure in Netanyahu's circle, has been implicated in the scandal as well. Having worked for Netanyahu since 2015, Urich has been linked to a media consulting firm that reportedly undertook projects for both the Israeli government and Qatar. The dual roles of Urich and Feldstein have raised alarms about the integrity of their work and the potential for foreign influence in Israeli decision-making.
In November 2024, Feldstein was arrested by Israeli police amid allegations of leaking classified documents to media outlets, including Israel Hayom and Bild. This incident further compounded the scrutiny surrounding his professional conduct. Reports surfaced that Qatar had funneled payments to Feldstein through a third party, ostensibly to bolster its public relations efforts in Israel. This third party, Jay Footlik, is a registered agent for Qatar and has a history of working with high-profile political figures in the U.S.
The contract between Footlik's firm and the Qatari Embassy in the U.S. stipulated a monthly payment of $40,000 to advance Qatar's interests, revealing the extent of the financial resources at Qatar's disposal for influence operations. The Shin Bet announced on February 15, 2025, that it was investigating the allegations against Netanyahu's advisors, and by February 27, Baharav-Miara had formally initiated a criminal investigation.
As the investigation unfolded, it became evident that Netanyahu's administration had maintained a complex relationship with Qatar. Despite Qatar's status as a major supporter of Hamas, it has also positioned itself as a mediator in hostage negotiations, complicating the Israeli government's public stance. Israeli National Security Advisor Tzachi Hanegbi publicly acknowledged Qatar's role, stating on X that "Qatar is becoming an essential party and stakeholder in the facilitation of humanitarian solutions."
However, the Israeli public's perception of Qatar remains fraught with skepticism, particularly among lower-level government officials who have voiced criticism of the Gulf state. The tension reached a boiling point when a controversial X post threatened to expose secrets about Qatari leadership, prompting intervention from Netanyahu's office to prevent further escalation.
The Hostage Families Forum, which has been vocally critical of Netanyahu's handling of hostage negotiations, has paradoxically praised Qatar's mediation efforts. Some families of hostages have sought assistance from Footlik and others connected to Qatar, highlighting the complex dynamics at play.
Ariel Admoni, an expert on Qatar at Bar-Ilan University, noted that the Gulf state's attempts to exert influence within Netanyahu's inner circle are not unprecedented. He cited previous instances of Qatari influence operations and emphasized that Qatar's strategy has historically involved using intermediaries to maintain a veneer of neutrality while advancing its interests.
As the scandal continues to unfold, questions linger about the implications for Netanyahu's government and the broader Israeli political landscape. The investigation into "Qatargate" has drawn attention to the potential for foreign influence in domestic affairs and the need for transparency in government dealings.
Netanyahu's supporters have pointed to the Shin Bet's own criticisms of the political leadership in its report on the failures surrounding the October 7 attacks, suggesting that the prime minister's motivations for firing Bar may be rooted in broader concerns about national security. However, opposition leader Yair Lapid and others have quickly connected Bar's dismissal to the ongoing investigation, accusing Netanyahu of attempting to obstruct justice.
The High Court of Justice plans to hold a hearing on April 8, 2025, to address the petitions regarding Bar's dismissal and the implications of the investigation. As the political fallout from "Qatargate" continues to reverberate, the Israeli public is left grappling with the complexities of governance, national security, and the influence of foreign powers in their country.
