What Is Qatargate? Allegations, Cabinet Dissent And The Crisis Netanyahu Is Facing

Last Updated:December 24, 2025, 21:45 IST

Benjamin Netanyahu strongly denied all allegations, calling them baseless and politically motivated. 

Benjamin Netanyahu.(Getty Images)

A political storm erupted in Israel after a senior cabinet minister called for a full investigation into Qatargate, an explosive set of allegations involving close aides of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and alleged efforts to promote Qatar’s interests. Amichai Chikli, Israel’s Minister for Diaspora Affairs, became the first serving member of Benjamin Netanyahu’s cabinet to demand a thorough investigation into the allegations.

“There is no way to defend this – it’s shocking. These matters must be investigated to the very end," he said, adding that the alleged activity appeared to benefit Qatar financially and politically, saying the matter “looks very bad".

What Is Qatargate?

Qatargate refers to allegations that top aides to the Israeli prime minister accepted funds- allegedly funnelled through an American lobbyist- to promote Qatar’s image inside Israel. Those named in reports include Benjamin Netanyahu’s media adviser Jonathan Urich and former spokesperson Eli Feldstein, both accused of advancing messaging favourable to Qatar while holding influential positions close to the prime minister. According to reports, communications between the suspects allegedly show fabricated information and coordination with a journalist from a pro-Benjamin Netanyahu outlet to alter published content to match their narrative.

Why Is It Being Called ‘The Most Serious Act Of Treason’?

Former Israeli prime minister Naftali Bennett described Qatargate as “the most serious act of treason in the history of the State of Israel".

“This does not come from marginal figures but from the most senior and powerful individuals in Israel," Bennett said.

Is Qatargate Linked To Other Allegations?

Yes. Qatargate surfaced alongside another major controversy known as the Bild leaks. In that case, Feldstein is accused of leaking classified Israeli intelligence to the German tabloid Bild in September 2024 to influence public opinion on hostage negotiations during the Gaza war.

Feldstein has admitted to the leak, saying it was intended to reduce pressure on Benjamin Netanyahu. In a televised interview, he further alleged that Benjamin Netanyahu knew of the leak in advance and approved it afterward.

What Benjamin Netanyahu Said In Response?

Benjamin Netanyahu strongly denied all allegations, calling them baseless and politically motivated. In a statement, he said, “Shrulik Einhorn and Eli Feldstein were never part of the Prime Minister’s Office," rejecting claims that his close aides were involved in wrongdoing.

He also accused Bennett of spreading falsehoods to distract from unrelated legal issues, claiming that courts had already ruled Qatargate to be “Qatar-fake" and that no offence was committed.

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