Israel’s Attorney General Initiates Investigation into Netanyahu’s Office and Qatar Relations

Israel’s attorney general has launched a criminal investigation into alleged connections between Prime Minister Netanyahu’s office and Qatar. The inquiry, prompted by national security concerns, follows suspicions of compromised information and ties between Netanyahu’s aides and Qatari officials. The investigation will involve the police and Shin Bet security agency.

On February 28, 2025, Israel’s attorney general, Gali Baharav-Miara, announced the launch of a criminal investigation into alleged dubious connections between officials in Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office and the State of Qatar. This inquiry has arisen amidst growing concerns related to national security while Qatar continues to play a critical role in mediating ceasefire negotiations and freeing Israeli hostages, despite the lack of formal diplomatic relations between the two nations.

The investigation will be jointly undertaken by the police and the Shin Bet, Israel’s internal security agency. This action follows a prior Shin Bet investigation that raised alarms over possible compromises to sensitive information due to contacts between senior officials in Netanyahu’s office and Qatari representatives. Attorney General Baharav-Miara indicated that her decision stems from findings presented during a recent meeting regarding these connections.

Local media reports have suggested the existence of alleged business ties between various advisers to Netanyahu, such as Yonatan Urich and Yisrael Einhorn, and Qatari officials. Additionally, Eli Feldstein, a former spokesman for Netanyahu, faced legal challenges in November 2024 for leaking classified documents, purportedly to disrupt negotiations for hostages held by Hamas.

The initiation of this criminal investigation signals a critical examination of the interactions between Netanyahu’s office and Qatar. With national security at stake, this inquiry seeks to address potential compromises raised by recent allegations. As the investigation unfolds, its implications may significantly affect Israeli politics and diplomatic relations with Qatar.

Original Source: www.dimsumdaily.hk