Shin Bet Investigates Alleged Connections Between Prime Minister’s Advisers and Qatar
The Israeli Security Agency, known as the Shin Bet, has initiated an investigation into reports suggesting that advisers to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu have maintained undisclosed ties with Qatar, a nation recognized for its financial support of Hamas.
This development follows inquiries from Member of Knesset Gilad Kariv. In response, the Shin Bet confirmed it is examining the safeguarding of state secrets within the Prime Minister’s Office and scrutinizing the activities of personnel in proximity to high-ranking officials. The agency emphasized its mandate to prevent espionage threats and ensure the integrity of sensitive information.
Central to the investigation is Eli Feldstein, a former spokesman for the Prime Minister. Recent media reports allege that Feldstein received payments from Qatari sources to disseminate narratives favorable to Qatar among Israeli journalists. These allegations surfaced during a prior investigation in which Feldstein was charged in November with compromising national security through the unauthorized dissemination of classified Israel Defense Forces documents. Notably, initial probes did not delve into his purported connections with Qatar.
The Prime Minister’s Office has dismissed these allegations as unfounded, labeling them “fake news.” In an official statement, the office criticized the Shin Bet for what it perceives as selective enforcement, questioning why similar investigations have not been launched against political adversaries. The statement expressed a sense of familiarity with such accusations, implying a pattern of baseless claims directed at the Prime Minister’s Office.
The unfolding situation has prompted calls from various political figures for a comprehensive investigation. Yair Golan, chairman of The Democrats party, has advocated for an inquiry not only into the Prime Minister’s associates but also into Netanyahu himself. Golan emphasized the gravity of the situation, suggesting that financial interests with a foreign nation, particularly one with known affiliations to hostile entities, could pose significant risks to Israel’s national security. He urged for the immediate suspension of any individuals involved pending the outcome of the investigation.
Similarly, National Unity party chairman Benny Gantz has expressed support for the Shin Bet’s actions. Gantz underscored the severity of the allegations, stating that the notion of an individual within the Prime Minister’s Office potentially acting on behalf of a foreign government is deeply concerning. He called for a thorough and expeditious investigation to ascertain the facts and ensure the protection of Israel’s security interests.