QatarGate Twist: Netanyahu Aides Faced Off and Gave Contradictory Testimonies in Police Confrontation Over Foreign Funding

A dramatic turn in Israel’s unfolding “QatarGate” scandal took place this week as Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s senior communications adviser, Jonathan Urich, was brought face-to-face in a police confrontation with Eli Feldstein, his former spokesman. Both are suspects in a widening investigation into alleged covert Qatari influence operations in Israel — and now appear to be turning on one another.

The confrontation follows conflicting testimonies given by the two men regarding payments allegedly funneled from U.S. businessman Jay Footlik, through a company linked to Qatari lobbying interests, to promote favorable media coverage of Qatar — and smear Egypt’s role as a mediator in hostage negotiations.

The Qatar-Mossad Connection

Prime Minister Netanyahu has attempted to downplay the investigation, releasing a video statement asserting that Urich “had no access to classified intelligence,” and turning attention instead to Shin Bet Director Ronen Bar. Netanyahu accused Bar of accepting Qatari hospitality during the 2022 World Cup, including an invitation to the emir’s VIP box — an allegation the Shin Bet (Israel Security Agency) firmly rebutted.

According to their statement, Bar’s brief trip to Qatar was part of a coordinated, security-focused mission, approved by Netanyahu himself, aimed at safeguarding Israeli citizens during the tournament. The agency emphasized that meetings were held in a professional context and that “any attempt to portray it otherwise is completely unfounded.”

Secret Deals, Shaped Narratives

The deeper concern lies in the emerging picture of foreign influence campaigns targeting Israeli public opinion. According to a court summary revealed by Judge Menachem Mizrahi, an American firm named The Third Circle — allegedly controlled by Footlik — was working to advance Qatari interests in Israel. The company is suspected of coordinating with Urich and Feldstein, paying the latter via a third intermediary, Gil Birger.

The purpose? To amplify Qatar’s image in the Israeli media as the main actor in negotiations for hostage releases — while downplaying the role of Egypt, a country often at odds with Qatari policy in the region.

“Effectively,” the judge wrote, “the suspects pushed sympathetic coverage of Qatar through media outlets, shaping a narrative that depicted Egypt as an unreliable mediator while glorifying Qatari efforts.” The operation allegedly involved direct messaging to journalists and orchestrated op-eds.

More Journalists to Be Questioned

In a development that raises even more eyebrows, multiple Israeli journalists are now being summoned to testify at Lahav 433, the elite anti-corruption unit leading the probe. One of them, reporter Shirit Avitan Cohen, confirmed she has been called in for questioning. Zvika Klein, another media figure, was questioned for the second time earlier this week.

While no formal charges have been filed against journalists, the investigation appears focused on identifying whether any knowingly participated in a foreign-funded narrative campaign — or simply acted as unaware conduits.

Political Implications

The scandal comes at a time when Netanyahu is already under legal pressure, with ongoing corruption trials and a deeply divided public. His defensive rhetoric, blaming the Shin Bet and trying to shield Urich while ignoring Feldstein, is seen by critics as a political calculation.

Police are expected to request further detention of both Urich and Feldstein, while investigators continue to trace financial transfers and dig into communications with journalists and political consultants.