Israeli media reveals routes by Qatar funds to Netanyahu's inner circle

JERUSALEM/ISTANBUL

Israeli media revealed the routes through which money from Qatar reached Israeli officials, including spokespersons and advisors surrounding Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, in the "Qatar-gate" scandal.

The results of a prosecutor's investigation outlined the path of funds transferred from Qatar to those in Netanyahu's inner circle, specifically spokesperson Eliezer Feldstein and advisors Jonathan Urich and Srulik Einhorn, according to a report by Israel's state television, KAN.

The report suggested that money from the Qatari government was transferred to an international company, which then directed the funds to a Mossad official and, from there, to a company linked to one of Netanyahu's close associates.

The investigation team discovered the routes after examining bank accounts, phone records, testimonies and other evidence.

One of the routes reportedly involved US consultant Jay Potlik, who is alleged to have been employed by the Qatari government, and Israeli businessman Gil Birger.

Through the route, the funds reached Feldstein.

Another route showed that money transfers, starting in 2022 and continuing until 2024, involved funds from the Qatari government channeled through another company to a Mossad official.

From there, the money was transferred to Urich’s company -- Perception

It claimed that the initial flow of funds was intended to improve Qatar's image ahead of the 2022 World Cup.

Despite the multiple intermediaries involved in the transfers, which allowed the suspects to deny the accusations, the report notes that Israeli police gathered sufficient evidence to support their case.

'Qatar-gate' scandal

The "Qatar-gate" scandal emerged with claims that millions of dollars from Qatar were funneled into Netanyahu's election campaign.

In response, Netanyahu announced he had filed lawsuits against those making the allegations.

The claims have led to an investigation, with Netanyahu's spokesperson Feldstein and advisors Urich and Einhorn facing accusations.

The Israeli Shin Bet (Shabak) has been involved in the investigation.

Feldstein is said to have received a salary from an international company to support Qatar's image, while Urich and Einhorn allegedly provided image consultancy for Qatar.

A recorded conversation in which Israeli businessman Gil Bilger claimed to have transferred money to Feldstein was aired on Israeli state television, with Feldstein admitting the veracity of Bilger’s claim.

Feldstein and Urich were arrested March 31, 2024, in connection with the "Qatar-gate" investigation.

Netanyahu also testified as a "witness" to police on the same day.