Shin Bet Investigates Alleged Ties Between Netanyahu’s Office and Qatar; PM Dismisses Claims as "Fake News"

The Israeli Security Agency (Shin Bet) has responded to inquiries from Knesset members Gilad Kariv and Naama Lazimi regarding the alleged involvement of Qatar in Israeli affairs. The agency confirmed it has begun reviewing the claims, stating that it is "examining the protection of state secrets."

Knesset Member Kariv expressed serious concerns, stating, "A suspicious pattern of relationships has emerged between individuals in the Prime Minister’s close circle, who have access to highly sensitive decision-making processes, and Qatar".

In response, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office dismissed the claims as baseless, issuing a statement questioning the priorities of the Shin Bet:

"Has the Shin Bet investigated the severe criminal leak by MK Kariv from the Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee, despite a year having passed since the offense? And has it examined the dealings of the ‘Fifth Dimension’ company, linked to Benny Gantz and Ram Ben-Barak, which allegedly attempted to sell sensitive intelligence technologies to Qatar without authorization?"

The Prime Minister's office further argued, "We are used to false accusations against the Prime Minister’s Office, such as secret recordings of officers, falsified protocols, and blackmail threats—all of which turned out to be fake news. This case will be no different."

A report by Walla News suggests that the Shin Bet may not require the Attorney General’s approval to proceed with its investigation, as the alleged individuals in Netanyahu’s office are not elected officials. Furthermore, existing legal guidelines do not prohibit the agency from investigating the matter independently.

Former senior security officials have also weighed in, calling for a thorough probe into the alleged connections between Netanyahu’s office and Qatar. A joint letter signed by several high-ranking figures—including former Defense Minister and retired General Matan Vilnai, Brigadier General (Res.) Amir Eshel, former Prime Minister Ehud Barak, ex-Mossad chief Danny Yatom, and Major General Nimrod Sheffer—demanded full transparency regarding these ties.

Benny Gantz, leader of the National Unity party, responded to the reports by emphasizing the gravity of the situation:

"The thought of an individual within the Prime Minister’s Office, who had access to top-security discussions and military briefings, simultaneously working for Qatar, is alarming. This issue must be fully investigated, and the Shin Bet and other security bodies must publish their findings without delay."

Meanwhile, MK Naama Lazimi echoed these concerns, stating, "It is good that the Shin Bet is fulfilling its duty by investigating this affair. As MK Yair Golan put it, 'There is a serious suspicion of betrayal. Anyone who loves Israel cannot turn a blind eye to such a grave case.'"

Yair Golan, a retired major general and chairman of the Democrats party, stressed the necessity of the investigation:

"The decision to investigate the financial and business ties of Netanyahu’s associates with Qatar is a crucial step. It is unacceptable for individuals with financial interests linked to a foreign nation to be involved in Israel’s most critical national security affairs. Anyone connected to this case must be removed from any governmental position immediately."

MK Gilad Kariv responded to the Prime Minister’s office statement by criticizing Netanyahu’s handling of national security:

"Netanyahu’s toxic rhetoric will no longer obscure the fact that he and his inner circle have severely compromised Israel’s national security and violated fundamental ethical standards regarding state secrecy and integrity."

He concluded with a sharp remark, "Netanyahu and his allies have long been the biggest leakers of classified information for political gain. Those drowning in butter should not lecture others about lactose intolerance."