Cash for influence: Qatar buys its way into Netanyahu’s inner circle

Israel is reeling from a growing political scandal dubbed "Qatargate", involving close advisers to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, accused of accepting funds from Qatar — a nation that plays a dual role as mediator in the Israel-Hamas conflict and host to Hamas leadership.

The investigation, now making headlines across Israeli media, centers on suspicions that Netanyahu's aides were secretly paid to promote Qatari interests within Israel, despite the Gulf state's controversial support for Hamas.

The two suspects, Yonatan Urich and Eli Feldstein, are currently in police custody. On Tuesday, a court extended their detention, citing evidence that they may have received payments intended to enhance Qatar’s image in Israel — particularly in relation to its role in mediating hostage deals during the ongoing war in Gaza.

Netanyahu himself was questioned by police on Monday evening. In response, he denounced the investigation as politically motivated, calling it a "witch hunt" and labeling his detained advisers as “hostages” of the police.

“There’s no case here. Absolutely nothing. Just a political witch hunt,” Netanyahu declared on his Telegram channel.

Israeli media have reported that the two aides are suspected of passing sensitive information to Qatari-linked sources during the Gaza conflict. One of the men allegedly received money from Jay Footlik, a Washington-based American lobbyist working for Qatar.

This case has widened scrutiny on Qatar’s global lobbying efforts, which extend far beyond Israel. The Gulf monarchy has paid millions to media consultants, former diplomats, and political figures across the globe to reshape its image.

A recent scandal in the European Parliament, often referred to as "Qatargate EU", revealed how Qatari interests allegedly funneled funds and gifts to European lawmakers in an effort to influence decisions and improve its reputation, particularly ahead of the 2022 FIFA World Cup.

According to analysts, Qatar’s image management strategy involves a complex network of intermediaries and public relations firms aiming to offset criticism over its support for Islamist groups, its human rights record, and its geopolitical ambitions.

The latest developments add to mounting political pressure on Netanyahu, who already faces criticism over his handling of the October 7 Hamas attacks and the ongoing war in Gaza.

For now, the investigation continues — and with it, the broader questions about foreign influence, transparency, and the rule of law at the highest levels of Israeli politics.