Jerusalem Post Editor Questioned in Qatari Influence Probe Amid Concerns Over Foreign Involvement in Israeli Media
Zvika Klein, a longtime journalist and current editor-in-chief of the Jerusalem Post, has come under police investigation as part of a widening probe into alleged efforts by the Gulf state of Qatar to influence Israeli public discourse. The investigation, which has been dubbed “Qatargate” by some outlets, is focused on the alleged involvement of close aides to Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu, and now appears to have extended to members of the Israeli press.
Klein was summoned for questioning under caution—a legal status implying suspicion of criminal involvement—on Sunday, in connection with a 2024 trip he took to Qatar. The visit, which lasted three days in April of that year, included meetings with senior Qatari officials, among them the Gulf nation’s Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani. Following the trip, Klein published a report describing his experiences and impressions of the Qatari leadership and its role in the region.
The context of the investigation involves two individuals who were until recently considered close and trusted advisors within the Prime Minister’s inner circle: Jonatan Urich and Eli Feldstein. Urich served as a longtime communications aide to the Prime Minister, while Feldstein was involved in public relations efforts on behalf of the government. Both men are now suspected of having engaged in covert efforts to shape Israeli media coverage in a manner favorable to Qatar, a country that, despite hosting Hamas political leaders in Doha, is also viewed by some in Israel as a key intermediary in negotiations with the terrorist organization.
According to investigative reports aired by Israeli television outlets, including Channel 13, authorities are examining whether Feldstein, while still officially part of the Prime Minister’s team, helped facilitate Klein’s trip to Qatar. They are also exploring whether he or Urich coordinated messaging or payments intended to result in positive media portrayals of Qatar. This is particularly sensitive given the country’s complex relationship with Israel and its ongoing role in mediating hostage negotiations during the ongoing conflict in Gaza.
In a public statement following the media coverage, Klein firmly denied any improper conduct or pre-existing ties to Feldstein. He clarified that his visit to Qatar was made at the direct invitation of the Qatari government, not through any Israeli political channels. He stated that he had no contact with Feldstein before the trip and only spoke with him afterwards in a professional context related to arranging interviews on Israeli television about the visit. Klein has emphasized that his journalistic integrity remains intact and that the trip was consistent with international reporting practices.
Klein, a veteran journalist who is well-known for his coverage of Jewish communities around the world and his years at Makor Rishon and other publications, has generally been viewed as a balanced and thoughtful voice in the Israeli media landscape. The revelation of his questioning has surprised many observers, particularly given that he is not known for any overt political activism. While he is not currently facing formal charges, the fact that he was questioned under caution indicates that the authorities are treating the matter with seriousness.
This development comes amid growing concern in Israel and abroad about the influence of foreign governments on democratic processes, including the shaping of public opinion through media channels. Qatar, in particular, has invested heavily in global media, most famously through its state-funded Al Jazeera network, and has been accused by critics of using its media influence to push political agendas.
At the same time, Qatar has played a central role in mediating between Israel and Hamas during multiple hostage crises, including during the ongoing conflict that began on Simchas Torah 5784 (October 7, 2023). As such, the country occupies a complicated position in Israeli foreign relations—both as a source of concern due to its ties to terror groups and as a potential diplomatic channel for life-saving negotiations.
Israeli law strictly regulates the activities of foreign agents and mandates disclosure when engaging in activities on behalf of foreign states. The suspicion in this case is that individuals tied to the Prime Minister’s office may have acted outside the bounds of those laws by coordinating messaging with foreign officials without appropriate oversight or transparency.
As of now, the investigation is ongoing. Law enforcement officials have not commented publicly on the status of Klein’s involvement, and no conclusions have been drawn. Both the Jerusalem Post and Klein have stated they are cooperating fully with investigators. Meanwhile, Urich and Feldstein continue to deny any wrongdoing.