Netanyahu Held Secret Meeting With Former Mossad Official Linked to Qatar
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu held a secret meeting with a former Mossad official linked to the Qatargate scandal, who asked him to curb ministers' attacks on Qatar.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu held a covert meeting with a former high-ranking Mossad official identified only as 'Sh.', whose name has been linked to the so-called 'Qatargate' affair. According to media reports, the former intelligence official urged Netanyahu to curb public statements made by cabinet members against Qatar.
The discussions specifically highlighted ministers Ron Dermer, Nir Barkat, and Amichai Chikli, whose recent rhetoric regarding Doha drew concern. Reports also revealed that 'Sh.' maintained close ties with Jonatan Urich and Srulik Einhorn, political advisers to Netanyahu who are likewise connected to the ongoing investigation. It was previously disclosed that Urich had provided services related to Qatar long after the outbreak of the Gaza war on October 7.
Netanyahu previously provided testimony in the Qatargate case roughly six months ago, a proceeding that subsequently shortened his scheduled testimonies in his ongoing criminal corruption trials. Investigators from the Lahav 433 police unit discovered the clandestine meeting approximately two months after that testimony.
Despite ongoing efforts by law enforcement, investigators from Lahav 433 have reportedly been unable to coordinate a follow-up meeting or supplementary testimony with the prime minister regarding these developments. The Prime Minister's Office has not yet issued a detailed formal comment addressing the specifics of the covert encounter.
