In a revelation shaking Israel’s political sphere, prominent Israeli businessman Gil Birger has come forward, admitting to transferring funds from a Qatari-linked lobbyist in the United States to Eli Feldstein, a close aide to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The shocking admission is part of a broader probe dubbed the “Qatargate” scandal, raising serious questions about foreign influence at the heart of Israel’s leadership.
This unfolding controversy centers around allegations that senior figures in the Prime Minister’s circle accepted foreign payments to subtly push narratives aligned with Qatari interests—despite Qatar’s known association with Hamas, a group engaged in longstanding conflict with Israel.
The Explosive Admission
In recordings made public by Israel’s Kan broadcaster, Birger is heard saying he was asked by U.S. lobbyist Jay Footlik, who was working on behalf of Qatar, to transfer money to Feldstein. The reason cited for using Birger as a middleman was reportedly to “avoid VAT” issues—referring to Israel’s value-added tax law.
While Birger insists the transaction was aboveboard, the very nature of the payment and its foreign source has set off alarm bells across Israel’s intelligence and political communities. The payment is now under investigation as a possible bribe or unlawful foreign influence.
Who Are the Key Figures?
Eli Feldstein, born in 1992, has long been a trusted figure within Netanyahu’s communications circle. He served as a spokesperson for the Judea and Samaria Division and later as the spokesman for National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir. His recent role as a military affairs spokesperson placed him in a position of considerable influence during a critical period in Israeli politics.
Feldstein was previously detained in late 2024 under suspicion of committing security offenses during the Israel-Hamas war, a charge that added to growing concerns over his conduct. Now, he finds himself at the center of this alleged influence-for-payment scheme.
Gil Birger, a businessman with ties to the Gulf region, has emerged as a central figure in the alleged financial transaction. According to reports, Birger has been questioned under caution on suspicions including bribery, contact with a foreign agent, tax violations, and money laundering. While he has not been officially charged, his cooperation with investigators has helped uncover more of the puzzle.
Jay Footlik, a U.S. political consultant and lobbyist, reportedly acted as the link between Qatar and Netanyahu’s aides. Footlik, who has worked with multiple foreign governments, was allegedly pushing a media strategy to influence Israeli opinion in favor of Qatar’s role in regional negotiations.
The Qatargate Allegations
At the heart of the scandal are claims that Feldstein and another Netanyahu aide, Jonatan Urich, were paid—either directly or indirectly—to disseminate pro-Qatar messaging through media appearances, social media, and policy recommendations. The goal allegedly included discrediting Egypt’s efforts in mediating hostage negotiations in Gaza and instead painting Qatar in a more favorable light.
This is particularly controversial as Qatar has often been accused of supporting Hamas, making any Israeli coordination or favorable media treatment extremely sensitive.
Investigators are now exploring whether the payments to Feldstein were in exchange for political favors, or if they were part of a larger influence campaign orchestrated by foreign interests.
Arrests and Denials
Feldstein and Urich have both been arrested as part of the investigation. They face charges including bribery, breach of trust, and contact with a foreign agent.
Feldstein’s legal team has strongly denied the accusations, saying he never worked for Qatar and that the funds received were compensation for public relations and strategic work performed for Israel’s government. According to them, the payments were only intended to cover a temporary delay in government salary disbursements.
Urich, meanwhile, has denied having any role in arranging the payments, despite Feldstein pointing to him as the person who helped coordinate the financial arrangement. This contradiction between the two aides has only intensified the investigation.
Netanyahu Reacts
Though he is not officially a suspect, Prime Minister Netanyahu has been called to provide testimony regarding his aides’ conduct. He has denied any knowledge of foreign funds entering his office and has labeled the investigation a politically motivated attack.
The Prime Minister’s critics argue otherwise, pointing to his recent attempt to dismiss Shin Bet director Ronen Bar—the head of Israel’s domestic security agency—as a potential obstruction of justice. Bar has been overseeing the Qatargate probe, and his possible removal sparked public outrage and warnings from legal experts.
Netanyahu’s allies claim that the security services are being used to weaken his government, especially during a period of war and rising internal dissent.
Widening Political Fallout
The scandal comes at a time of mounting public frustration over Netanyahu’s handling of the ongoing conflict with Hamas and delays in securing the release of Israeli hostages in Gaza. Any suggestion that his office may have been influenced by Qatari money—especially when Qatar is seen by many as a Hamas sympathizer—is politically toxic.
The affair has also deepened rifts between Netanyahu and Israel’s law enforcement and judiciary systems. Many see his efforts to intervene in legal processes and intelligence appointments as a threat to democratic institutions.
Some Israeli lawmakers, including members of the opposition, have demanded a full public inquiry, claiming the issue goes beyond individual wrongdoing and points to systemic vulnerabilities in how foreign lobbying is handled.
Regional and International Concerns
The allegations are likely to have repercussions beyond Israel’s borders. Qatar’s involvement—whether proven or not—adds tension to an already complex Middle Eastern diplomatic landscape. Israel, Egypt, and Qatar have all played roles in brokering ceasefires and hostage releases, making any scandal involving these players highly sensitive.
Western governments watching the region closely may also raise questions about lobbying regulations, transparency, and the need for tighter control over foreign influence in democratic states.
What Happens Next?
With more testimonies expected in the coming weeks, and possibly additional arrests, the Qatargate affair is far from over. It has already caused damage to Netanyahu’s inner circle and may eventually impact Israel’s diplomatic posture and internal governance policies.
For now, the Israeli public is left wondering how deep the alleged foreign influence goes, and whether the country’s leaders prioritized foreign money over national security. Investigators are working to uncover the full scope of the operation—and to determine who knew what, and when.
Qatar-WHO Partnership Leaves Legacy for Safer, Healthier Mega-Sporting Events
