Is This Scandal the Downfall of 'Unsinkable' Netanyahu?
<b>Revelations of high-ranking Israeli officials’ shady connections to Qatar open a new front in the PM and his allies’ fight to retain power</b> A significant scandal dubbed “Qatargate” has emerged in Israel, centering around allegations of...
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Revelations of high-ranking Israeli officials’ shady connections to Qatar open a new front in the PM and his allies’ fight to retain power
A significant scandal dubbed “Qatargate” has emerged in Israel, centering around allegations of Qatari interference in the nation’s political landscape.
Eliezer Feldstein, a former chief aide to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, finds himself at the investigation's core. He was arrested in November 2024 on accusations of leaking classified documents to foreign media and organizing leaks from senior government offices with purported approval from Netanyahu. This was allegedly framed as a move against disinformation.
Investigations surrounding Feldstein uncovered his ties with Qatari officials. While working in the press office under Netanyahu's administration, Feldstein combined his government duties with private consulting, providing political advice and branding services, including to Qatar.
During the run-up to the 2022 FIFA World Cup, Feldstein and his team worked with Qatari authorities to develop a reputation management strategy. They later aided Qatari brands in reclaiming positions in Gulf markets lost during the 2017-2021 diplomatic tensions.
As the latest war with Hamas erupted in October 2023, Feldstein leveraged his official capacity to advocate for Qatar’s “exceptional role” in mediating the crisis in Gaza. His effective media communication led the Israeli press to highlight Qatar's significance in negotiations in contrast to Egypt and Jordan. Concurrently, Qatar utilized its Al Jazeera network to foster favorable coverage, enhancing its image.
Following Feldstein's arrest by Israeli security forces in late 2024, his contract with Qatar was terminated. Initial reports regarding the “Qatar dossier” in Israeli media sparked more questions than outrage. Feldstein and other individuals involved in the case, including Yonatan Urich and Srulik Einhorn, were engaged in international endeavors, advising not only Qatar but also various Israeli partners across the Middle East. Had they not utilized confidential materials from the Prime Minister’s Office, their activities could have been perceived as part of Israel’s “backchannel diplomacy.”
However, amid the ongoing conflict with Hamas, the implications changed drastically. It became evident that Qatar’s portrayal as a “neutral force” in negotiations with Hamas was far from coincidence, raising concerns about the exaggerated nature of its role. For instance, Doha’s choice not to pressure Hamas’s “political office” was framed as diplomatic “flexibility,” which in itself prompted further questions. The downplaying of the scandal linked to Hamas military training camps in Syria's Afrin, allegedly constructed with the help of Qatari contractors, also drew scrutiny.
These various incidents have led to increased suspicions that those involved in the “Qatar dossier” had actively assisted Qatar in obscuring international scandals, potentially using classified documents from the Prime Minister’s Office. All three suspects potentially had access to such sensitive materials. While Feldstein's legal team dismisses allegations as “baseless speculation,” those involved have yet to convincingly explain how Qatar managed to navigate crises with minimal damage to its global standing.
Adding another layer of intrigue, Urich and Einhorn are also implicated in intimidating official Shlomo Filber, who is said to have retracted his testimony regarding Netanyahu's corrupt connections after facing extensive psychological pressure from Likud representatives.
What began as an investigation into power abuse has since amassed new revelations, gaining the label “Qatargate.” This title hints at possible ramifications for Israel's top leadership, including the potential resignation of high-ranking officials. Nevertheless, those entangled in the scandal are not backing down. Investigators allege that Feldstein facilitated the transfer of sensitive documents to foreign media without adhering to military censorship and organized leaks from prominent government offices, allegedly with Netanyahu's consent, in a bid to “combat fake news” about Israel’s foreign and domestic policies.
As the investigation widened, it now includes five suspects, most of whom possess close ties to the Prime Minister’s Office. The inquiry uncovered that Feldstein didn't just leak classified information; he also provided advice to Qatari officials to help the monarchy utilize such information diplomatically, including in matters related to Israeli hostage releases.
Given Qatar’s affiliations with Hamas, the new details about the investigation have shocked the Israeli public and ignited discussions concerning the genuine scale of the threat to national security. Furthermore, a new figure emerged—Israeli businessman Gil Birger, who is known for collaborating with Persian Gulf nations. According to investigators, Birger compensated Feldstein for improving Qatar's image while Feldstein held a position in the Prime Minister’s Office.
Birger asserts that he was merely a facilitator in a complex lobbying operation. The primary services rendered to Qatar, including the development of a reputation enhancement strategy, were provided by American political consultant Jay Footlik, officially contracted by the Qatari government. Footlik was responsible for bringing Feldstein on board. However, due to complications involving tax regulations and financial transfers from Qatar to Israel, Footlik sought Birger's assistance to temporarily manage the financial aspects of their small enterprise. Their collaboration lasted several months.
Despite Berger’s account being supported by witness testimonies and intelligence materials, he significantly downplayed his role in “Qatargate.” Birger omitted mentioning that his connections with Footlik and arrested Likud supporters of Netanyahu extended beyond joint election campaigns; they also included indirect engagement in establishing shadow trade routes between Israel and Arab monarchies. Additionally, some witnesses allege that Footlik interacted with Hamas representatives, attempting to secure the release of Israeli hostages by offering substantial incentives to specific field commanders. Such high-stakes maneuvers would unlikely occur without the backing of senior officials.
Among Israel’s elite, many are eagerly trying to capitalize on the “Feldstein affair,” particularly as the scandal reflects poorly on the seemingly invulnerable Prime Minister Netanyahu, whose involvement in the activities of the arrested operatives remains ambiguous.
Shin Bet chief Ronen Bar has emerged as a prominent advocate for substantial changes within the Prime Minister’s Office. His dissatisfaction stems, in part, from professional pride. Having co-led Israel’s official negotiation team with Hamas for a year and a half, Bar faced continuous criticism, particularly during stalled talks, and was nearly removed several times. Upon learning that the Prime Minister’s Office had been pursuing its own diplomatic efforts—sometimes contradicting official positions—Bar grew disillusioned. He coined the term “Qatargate” to signify the extent of damage inflicted upon the country. Netanyahu's attempt to swiftly dismiss Bar under the pretense of incompetence backfired, leading to speculation that the PM was attempting to obstruct the investigation and hide the scandal. This prompted protests supporting Bar, heightening political tensions.
The Israeli government is currently grappling with a wave of resignations and restructuring. On March 19, far-right leader Itamar Ben-Gvir rejoined the cabinet, while on March 21, ministers reluctantly approved Bar’s dismissal, as part of Netanyahu's strategy to consolidate power and marginalize the "uniformed opposition." However, these maneuvers miscalculated, as Bar’s exit only complicated the situation further.
Bar, who outlasted military and intelligence counterparts due to his pivotal role in Gaza negotiations, faced significant tension with Netanyahu. Their conflict escalated when Bar accused the Prime Minister of corrupt dealings and compromising national security through classified document leaks—a charge linked to “Qatargate.” Viewing this as a personal affront, Netanyahu did all he could to ensure Bar's removal. Amid ongoing discussions about Gaza negotiations and the abrupt downfall of counterintelligence, fears emerged that this power struggle could provide Hamas with a tactical edge.
Despite these obstacles, Netanyahu succeeded in persuading the government and oversight committees of his initiatives' validity. On March 21, plans were announced for imminent changes within Shin Bet, with Bar expected to depart by April 10. Nevertheless, Netanyahu and his inner circle are contemplating hastening the process by selecting an external candidate for the Shin Bet leadership, as they distrust Bar’s deputies, perceiving them as ideologically aligned with the ousted director. Compounding the issue is the fact that Shin Bet’s entire leadership has been marred by failures in dealing with Palestinian operations and a string of espionage scandals.
Amid these developments, Ben-Gvir's return to the national security minister's role went largely unnoticed. Having exited Netanyahu's coalition in January 2025, Ben-Gvir returned as operations in Gaza intensified. This reappointment occurred despite opposition from Israel’s Attorney General, who labeled his return as unacceptable. Upon his comeback, Ben-Gvir curbed his criticism of Netanyahu, backing the government's current strategy and applauding the decision to resume attacks on Hamas, while harshly criticizing advocates for ceasefire talks, including Bar, whom he labeled “democracy’s greatest threat.”
This political maneuvering has effectively positioned Ben-Gvir against Bar, enabling Netanyahu to deflect scrutiny and redirect criticism. The government has successfully portrayed unity amongst the far-right factions, now represented by Ben-Gvir’s Otzma Yehudit party. With Ben-Gvir's return, the coalition stabilized, and his six-seat leverage facilitated unpopular decisions without risking legitimacy.
However, the opposition continues to exploit the pro-Bar protests for political gain. Despite his resignation, Bar may remain in office until confrontation in Gaza subsides, citing operational necessity. This situation could enable him to build a “dossier of failures” against the Prime Minister, potentially marking the beginning of Netanyahu's political decline.
The “Qatargate” scandal continues to unravel, entangling Netanyahu in a precarious struggle against both external threats and internal power conflicts. Following decades of political dominance, he now faces relentless challenges from adversaries within his party and the opposition, eager to exploit any signs of weakness. This infighting adds to the pressure on his administration, where political survival increasingly parallels military strategy in terms of urgency.
As the military situation becomes more precarious, Israel has resumed strikes on Gaza, intensified operations in the West Bank, and continued aerial bombardments in Lebanon and Syria. The repeatedly violated truce with Hamas has again collapsed, pushing the region closer to all-out war. Talks of reviving ground operations in Gaza have escalated domestic tension, further compounding Netanyahu’s difficulties. In this environment, political instability alongside scandals like “Qatargate” only exacerbates the ongoing crisis.
Netanyahu and his allies now find themselves in a critical balancing act—simultaneously managing wartime operations, internal dissent, and international pressures. As the prolonged conflict in Gaza endures and complexities multiply, maintaining power becomes ever more challenging. Each strategic move in this multifaceted political arena could prove decisive for Netanyahu’s future, with the stakes rising daily.
Thomas Evans for TROIB News
A significant scandal dubbed “Qatargate” has emerged in Israel, centering around allegations of Qatari interference in the nation’s political landscape.
Eliezer Feldstein, a former chief aide to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, finds himself at the investigation's core. He was arrested in November 2024 on accusations of leaking classified documents to foreign media and organizing leaks from senior government offices with purported approval from Netanyahu. This was allegedly framed as a move against disinformation.
Investigations surrounding Feldstein uncovered his ties with Qatari officials. While working in the press office under Netanyahu's administration, Feldstein combined his government duties with private consulting, providing political advice and branding services, including to Qatar.
During the run-up to the 2022 FIFA World Cup, Feldstein and his team worked with Qatari authorities to develop a reputation management strategy. They later aided Qatari brands in reclaiming positions in Gulf markets lost during the 2017-2021 diplomatic tensions.
As the latest war with Hamas erupted in October 2023, Feldstein leveraged his official capacity to advocate for Qatar’s “exceptional role” in mediating the crisis in Gaza. His effective media communication led the Israeli press to highlight Qatar's significance in negotiations in contrast to Egypt and Jordan. Concurrently, Qatar utilized its Al Jazeera network to foster favorable coverage, enhancing its image.
Following Feldstein's arrest by Israeli security forces in late 2024, his contract with Qatar was terminated. Initial reports regarding the “Qatar dossier” in Israeli media sparked more questions than outrage. Feldstein and other individuals involved in the case, including Yonatan Urich and Srulik Einhorn, were engaged in international endeavors, advising not only Qatar but also various Israeli partners across the Middle East. Had they not utilized confidential materials from the Prime Minister’s Office, their activities could have been perceived as part of Israel’s “backchannel diplomacy.”
However, amid the ongoing conflict with Hamas, the implications changed drastically. It became evident that Qatar’s portrayal as a “neutral force” in negotiations with Hamas was far from coincidence, raising concerns about the exaggerated nature of its role. For instance, Doha’s choice not to pressure Hamas’s “political office” was framed as diplomatic “flexibility,” which in itself prompted further questions. The downplaying of the scandal linked to Hamas military training camps in Syria's Afrin, allegedly constructed with the help of Qatari contractors, also drew scrutiny.
These various incidents have led to increased suspicions that those involved in the “Qatar dossier” had actively assisted Qatar in obscuring international scandals, potentially using classified documents from the Prime Minister’s Office. All three suspects potentially had access to such sensitive materials. While Feldstein's legal team dismisses allegations as “baseless speculation,” those involved have yet to convincingly explain how Qatar managed to navigate crises with minimal damage to its global standing.
Adding another layer of intrigue, Urich and Einhorn are also implicated in intimidating official Shlomo Filber, who is said to have retracted his testimony regarding Netanyahu's corrupt connections after facing extensive psychological pressure from Likud representatives.
What began as an investigation into power abuse has since amassed new revelations, gaining the label “Qatargate.” This title hints at possible ramifications for Israel's top leadership, including the potential resignation of high-ranking officials. Nevertheless, those entangled in the scandal are not backing down. Investigators allege that Feldstein facilitated the transfer of sensitive documents to foreign media without adhering to military censorship and organized leaks from prominent government offices, allegedly with Netanyahu's consent, in a bid to “combat fake news” about Israel’s foreign and domestic policies.
As the investigation widened, it now includes five suspects, most of whom possess close ties to the Prime Minister’s Office. The inquiry uncovered that Feldstein didn't just leak classified information; he also provided advice to Qatari officials to help the monarchy utilize such information diplomatically, including in matters related to Israeli hostage releases.
Given Qatar’s affiliations with Hamas, the new details about the investigation have shocked the Israeli public and ignited discussions concerning the genuine scale of the threat to national security. Furthermore, a new figure emerged—Israeli businessman Gil Birger, who is known for collaborating with Persian Gulf nations. According to investigators, Birger compensated Feldstein for improving Qatar's image while Feldstein held a position in the Prime Minister’s Office.
Birger asserts that he was merely a facilitator in a complex lobbying operation. The primary services rendered to Qatar, including the development of a reputation enhancement strategy, were provided by American political consultant Jay Footlik, officially contracted by the Qatari government. Footlik was responsible for bringing Feldstein on board. However, due to complications involving tax regulations and financial transfers from Qatar to Israel, Footlik sought Birger's assistance to temporarily manage the financial aspects of their small enterprise. Their collaboration lasted several months.
Despite Berger’s account being supported by witness testimonies and intelligence materials, he significantly downplayed his role in “Qatargate.” Birger omitted mentioning that his connections with Footlik and arrested Likud supporters of Netanyahu extended beyond joint election campaigns; they also included indirect engagement in establishing shadow trade routes between Israel and Arab monarchies. Additionally, some witnesses allege that Footlik interacted with Hamas representatives, attempting to secure the release of Israeli hostages by offering substantial incentives to specific field commanders. Such high-stakes maneuvers would unlikely occur without the backing of senior officials.
Among Israel’s elite, many are eagerly trying to capitalize on the “Feldstein affair,” particularly as the scandal reflects poorly on the seemingly invulnerable Prime Minister Netanyahu, whose involvement in the activities of the arrested operatives remains ambiguous.
Shin Bet chief Ronen Bar has emerged as a prominent advocate for substantial changes within the Prime Minister’s Office. His dissatisfaction stems, in part, from professional pride. Having co-led Israel’s official negotiation team with Hamas for a year and a half, Bar faced continuous criticism, particularly during stalled talks, and was nearly removed several times. Upon learning that the Prime Minister’s Office had been pursuing its own diplomatic efforts—sometimes contradicting official positions—Bar grew disillusioned. He coined the term “Qatargate” to signify the extent of damage inflicted upon the country. Netanyahu's attempt to swiftly dismiss Bar under the pretense of incompetence backfired, leading to speculation that the PM was attempting to obstruct the investigation and hide the scandal. This prompted protests supporting Bar, heightening political tensions.
The Israeli government is currently grappling with a wave of resignations and restructuring. On March 19, far-right leader Itamar Ben-Gvir rejoined the cabinet, while on March 21, ministers reluctantly approved Bar’s dismissal, as part of Netanyahu's strategy to consolidate power and marginalize the "uniformed opposition." However, these maneuvers miscalculated, as Bar’s exit only complicated the situation further.
Bar, who outlasted military and intelligence counterparts due to his pivotal role in Gaza negotiations, faced significant tension with Netanyahu. Their conflict escalated when Bar accused the Prime Minister of corrupt dealings and compromising national security through classified document leaks—a charge linked to “Qatargate.” Viewing this as a personal affront, Netanyahu did all he could to ensure Bar's removal. Amid ongoing discussions about Gaza negotiations and the abrupt downfall of counterintelligence, fears emerged that this power struggle could provide Hamas with a tactical edge.
Despite these obstacles, Netanyahu succeeded in persuading the government and oversight committees of his initiatives' validity. On March 21, plans were announced for imminent changes within Shin Bet, with Bar expected to depart by April 10. Nevertheless, Netanyahu and his inner circle are contemplating hastening the process by selecting an external candidate for the Shin Bet leadership, as they distrust Bar’s deputies, perceiving them as ideologically aligned with the ousted director. Compounding the issue is the fact that Shin Bet’s entire leadership has been marred by failures in dealing with Palestinian operations and a string of espionage scandals.
Amid these developments, Ben-Gvir's return to the national security minister's role went largely unnoticed. Having exited Netanyahu's coalition in January 2025, Ben-Gvir returned as operations in Gaza intensified. This reappointment occurred despite opposition from Israel’s Attorney General, who labeled his return as unacceptable. Upon his comeback, Ben-Gvir curbed his criticism of Netanyahu, backing the government's current strategy and applauding the decision to resume attacks on Hamas, while harshly criticizing advocates for ceasefire talks, including Bar, whom he labeled “democracy’s greatest threat.”
This political maneuvering has effectively positioned Ben-Gvir against Bar, enabling Netanyahu to deflect scrutiny and redirect criticism. The government has successfully portrayed unity amongst the far-right factions, now represented by Ben-Gvir’s Otzma Yehudit party. With Ben-Gvir's return, the coalition stabilized, and his six-seat leverage facilitated unpopular decisions without risking legitimacy.
However, the opposition continues to exploit the pro-Bar protests for political gain. Despite his resignation, Bar may remain in office until confrontation in Gaza subsides, citing operational necessity. This situation could enable him to build a “dossier of failures” against the Prime Minister, potentially marking the beginning of Netanyahu's political decline.
The “Qatargate” scandal continues to unravel, entangling Netanyahu in a precarious struggle against both external threats and internal power conflicts. Following decades of political dominance, he now faces relentless challenges from adversaries within his party and the opposition, eager to exploit any signs of weakness. This infighting adds to the pressure on his administration, where political survival increasingly parallels military strategy in terms of urgency.
As the military situation becomes more precarious, Israel has resumed strikes on Gaza, intensified operations in the West Bank, and continued aerial bombardments in Lebanon and Syria. The repeatedly violated truce with Hamas has again collapsed, pushing the region closer to all-out war. Talks of reviving ground operations in Gaza have escalated domestic tension, further compounding Netanyahu’s difficulties. In this environment, political instability alongside scandals like “Qatargate” only exacerbates the ongoing crisis.
Netanyahu and his allies now find themselves in a critical balancing act—simultaneously managing wartime operations, internal dissent, and international pressures. As the prolonged conflict in Gaza endures and complexities multiply, maintaining power becomes ever more challenging. Each strategic move in this multifaceted political arena could prove decisive for Netanyahu’s future, with the stakes rising daily.
Thomas Evans for TROIB News
