Shin Bet Investigates Netanyahu Aides Over Alleged Ties to Qatar

The Shin Bet (Israel Security Agency) has launched an investigation into potential connections between Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's aides and the Qatari government. This follows reports suggesting that several of Netanyahu's close advisors were engaged in activities to improve Qatar's image, despite its role as a key financial backer of Hamas and its current position as the primary intermediary in hostage negotiations.

"In accordance with the law, the Shin Bet is responsible for thwarting espionage threats and preventing the disclosure of state secrets, as well as for the security of designated individuals,” said the official announcement, “Accordingly, a review is currently being conducted regarding the protection of classified information in the Prime Minister's Office and other government ministries, as well as concerning individuals in the close vicinity of protected officials. Following inquiries received on the matter and an initial examination based on its findings, these claims are also being reviewed by the agency."

The controversy centers on allegations that members of Netanyahu's media team, including Eli Feldstein, Yonatan Urich, and Srulik Einhorn, provided public relations services to Qatari interests while holding official positions within the Prime Minister's Office. Israel’s Channel 12 reported that Feldstein, currently under house arrest for leaking classified documents, was simultaneously employed by an international firm contracted by Qatar to enhance its public image in Israel.

Further reports indicate that Urich and Einhorn were involved in efforts to rehabilitate Qatar’s reputation when it was considered a pariah state, following the diplomatic crisis with the Arab League in 2017. Their work included shaping narratives that painted Qatar in a positive light ahead of the 2022 FIFA World Cup, despite its ongoing financial ties to Hamas. These alleged activities have raised serious concerns about conflicts of interest and the dissemination of information from the Prime Minister's Office.

Qatar has long been a significant financial supporter of Hamas, transferring since 2018 millions of dollars per month (reaching roughly $30 million) in cash, with Netanyahu’s support. His claim was that this would “buy quiet” for Israel. The funds were intended for the salaries of civil servants and to alleviate the humanitarian crisis – however they played a crucial role in sustaining Hamas’ governance and terror activities. Hamas used the money to arm itself, build a vast network of underground tunnels (practically an underground city under the Gaza Strip, where Israeli hostages are still being held and tortured), and terrorize Palestinian civilians. 

Qatar is also the main mediator in the current hostage release negotiations, although many in the defense establishment preferred it to be Egypt, which has a peace agreement with Israel and is the only other country that shares a border with the Gaza Strip. It was Netanyahu, as the PM, who chose the Qatari option. This is one of the ways in which Doha has positioned itself as a key player in regional diplomacy, in a further attempt to enhance its image. 

Calls for Investigation

Opposition leader Yair Lapid has formally requested Attorney-General Gali Baharav-Miara to launch a full investigation into the alleged business relationships between Netanyahu’s aides and Qatar. Lapid emphasized the seriousness of the allegations, stating that any covert ties between Israeli officials and a known Hamas backer could severely compromise national security.

Yair Golan, chairman of the Democrats party and former deputy chief of staff of the Israel Defense Forces, went even further by suggesting that the allegations may constitute treason. “There is no choice but to explicitly say the words: There is a suspicion of treason in the Prime Minister’s Office that must be investigated,” Golan stated in a press conference. He called for the immediate suspension of any individuals involved in unauthorized contacts with Qatar until a thorough investigation is completed.

The Prime Minister’s Office has denied any wrongdoing, dismissing the allegations as politically motivated. In an official statement, the office argued that similar accusations in the past had been debunked and that this case would be no different.

Conclusion

The Shin Bet’s investigation into Netanyahu’s aides and their alleged ties to Qatar has sparked intense political debate. With Qatar’s dual role as both Hamas’ primary financial backer and the lead negotiator in hostage talks, the findings of this probe could have significant ramifications for Israeli politics and national security.