Kathmandu— Israeli Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara is preparing to determine whether to indict two key advisors to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu concerning allegations they acted as unregistered lobbyists for the government of Qatar. The case, dubbed “Qatargate,” emerged last year following an investigation by Israeli Channel 12 which alleged that close associates of the prime minister were compensated by Doha to influence Israeli security and political decision-making. Several individuals have already been implicated in the scandal, with one arrested on separate charges related to classified document leaks.

Investigation Uncovers Alleged Qatari Influence

The investigation initially focused on Yisrael Einhorn, Ofer Golan, Jonatan Urich, and Eli Feldstein, alleging they were paid by Qatar to promote its interests within Israel. Feldstein was previously arrested for his alleged involvement in the theft and dissemination of classified documents before their public release. Both Urich and Feldstein were detained and questioned last March regarding the lobbying allegations, while Einhorn, residing in Serbia, has avoided returning to Israel. Golan, a long-serving spokesperson for Netanyahu, left his position this April.

Evidence Mounts for Formal Charges

Unnamed Justice Ministry officials have reportedly indicated there is “sufficient evidence” to charge Urich and Feldstein with contacts involving a foreign actor, despite the Mossad and Shin Bet intelligence agencies not yet submitting their official assessment of the affair. In June, Urich was already indicted on charges related to leaking classified documents to the press, specifically IDF military intelligence materials published in the German tabloid Bild in September 2024.

Potential Conflict of Interest for Intelligence Chief

The scandal could also potentially implicate Mossad director Roman Gofman, who previously served as Netanyahu’s military secretary. Justice Ministry officials are now considering whether Gofman should be recused from approving the impending assessment from his agency due to his close ties with the implicated individuals. The alleged lobbying efforts extend back several years, with reports suggesting the aides assisted Qatar in regaining its standing in the Gulf during the 2017-2021 diplomatic crisis and improving its image leading up to the 2022 FIFA World Cup.

Netanyahu’s Reputation Further Tarnished

The Qatargate affair represents another blow to Netanyahu's reputation, as he has faced various corruption allegations for over a decade. The long-standing ties between his aides and Qatar raise questions about potential undue influence on Israeli policy.

The Attorney General’s decision on whether to formally charge Urich and Feldstein is expected shortly, pending the assessment from intelligence agencies and deliberations regarding Roman Gofman's involvement.

(With inputs from RT)

Originally published on abcnews.com.np.