Understanding Israel’s "Qatargate" Scandal

In early 2025, a scandal known as “Qatargate” emerged in Israel, involving allegations that close aides to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu promoted Qatari interests in Israeli media in exchange for payment. Two of Netanyahu’s media advisors, Jonatan Urich and Eli Feldstein, were arrested in connection with the investigation.

According to police suspicions, a representative of Qatar paid Urich and Feldstein to encourage favorable coverage of the emirate, particularly its role in mediating between Israel and Hamas. This allegedly came at the expense of highlighting Egypt’s involvement in such diplomacy. Investigators believe that Urich sent pro-Qatar talking points as official statements from the Prime Minister’s Office.

The payments to Feldstein were reportedly funneled through ThirdCircle, a U.S.-based lobbying firm representing Qatari interests, via an Israeli intermediary. ThirdCircle was founded by Jay Footlik, a former Special Assistant to President Bill Clinton and liaison to the American Jewish community.

The Qatari government has denied the allegations.

Prime Minister Netanyahu was questioned by police, though he was not named a suspect. He described the investigation as a “political manhunt” aimed at removing him from office and referred to the arrested aides as “hostages,” a remark that drew criticism due to the ongoing captivity of Israelis held by Hamas.

The investigation later broadened to include members of the Israeli press. Zvika Klein, editor-in-chief of the Jerusalem Post, was questioned as a potential suspect and briefly placed under house arrest. Authorities stated that during his initial testimony, suspicion arose that Klein may have played a role in facilitating Qatari interests. He had previously visited Qatar at the invitation of its government and published articles expressing a favorable view of the country. The Attorney General and State Prosecutor emphasized that there was no intent to infringe on press freedom or prevent media investigation into the affair.

The scandal has resonated deeply with Israelis due to Qatar’s role as a long-time funder of Hamas and host to its leadership. Qatar has also been a key mediator in ceasefire negotiations between Israel and Hamas. This dual role has led to suspicion and criticism within Israel, with many viewing Qatar as an adversary.

Following the developments, Netanyahu announced plans to dismiss Ronen Bar, the head of the Shin Bet, which initiated the probe. He cited a loss of confidence and claimed the agency had failed to prevent the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack. The Supreme Court temporarily halted Bar’s dismissal. Meanwhile, critics accused Netanyahu of attempting to obstruct the investigation.

The Qatargate investigation unfolded amid ongoing public dissatisfaction with the government over its management of the Gaza war, efforts to secure the release of hostages, and proposed judicial reforms. Some Israelis voiced alarm over the alleged influence of a foreign government linked to Hamas operating within Netanyahu’s inner circle. Netanyahu, who had previously approved Qatari financial transfers to Gaza as part of a policy to preserve calm, described Qatar as a “complex country” and “not an enemy country.”

Despite the scandal and continued protests, Netanyahu’s coalition remained in power. The investigation is ongoing.

Sources: Matti Friedman, Qatargate Roils a War-Weary Israel, Free Press, (April 1, 2025).
Ben Sales, “‘Qatar-gate’ and the complicated web of major scandals rocking Israel, explained,” JTA, (April 2, 2025).
Patrick Kingsley, Johnatan Reiss, Ronen Bergman, “What Is ‘Qatargate,’ the Latest Furor Embroiling Israel?” New York Times, (April 3, 2025).
Lazar Berman, Sam Sokol, and Jeremy Sharon, “Netanyahu says Qatar not an enemy state, denies aide has access to classified intel,” Times of Israel, (April 3, 2025).
Tia Goldenberg, “What to Know About Israel’s ‘Qatargate’ Scandal,” Time, (April 3, 2025).
Ben Sales, “‘Qatargate’ and the web of huge scandals rocking Israel, explained,” Forward, (April 3, 2025).
Ido David Cohen, Chen Maanit, “Explained: Does the Qatargate Investigation Put Israeli Freedom of the Press in Danger?” Haaretz, (April 6, 2025).