QATAR-GATE: Businessman Gil Birger interrogated as case continues to shock Israel

Israeli businessman Gil Birger faced police interrogation under caution in connection with the Qatar-gate case, Israel National News reported. Authorities suspect Birger transferred bribe money from Qatari lobbyist Jay Footlik to Eli Feldstein, an adviser in Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office. His identity was cleared for publication Wednesday morning at 11:00am.

The investigation intensified Tuesday when the Rishon Lezion Magistrate’s Court reviewed a police request to extend the custody of Netanyahu aides Yonatan Urich and Eli Feldstein, arrested in the same affair. Police sought a nine-day extension to continue interrogations, but the judge granted two additional days, holding them until Thursday. According to police, Urich sent messages to journalists, presented as originating from the Prime Minister’s Office, though allegedly sourced from a Qatari agent.

During the hearing, investigator Zohar Erez disclosed that Urich was questioned about leaking classified cabinet meeting details. She added that Netanyahu was also asked if his adviser disclosed sensitive information.