Qatar-Gate Scandal Deepens: Opposition Leader Lapid Testifies

The "Qatar-Gate" scandal continues to expand as Israeli opposition leader Yair Lapid revealed on Wednesday that he provided open testimony to police regarding the case, which allegedly involves senior figures in Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office.

Lapid said that his testimony, given at the request of the police, focused on how the Prime Minister’s Office is supposed to operate under proper procedure. He explained why, in his view, the actions taken by Netanyahu’s aides — accepting hundreds of thousands of dollars from Qatar, a state known for supporting terrorism, while serving in official advisory roles — were “dangerous to national security” and “a violation of every norm and law.”

Key Developments in the Case

According to a report by Walla, defense attorneys for Eli Feldstein, a former advisor in Netanyahu’s office, are in advanced negotiations for him to become a state witness. Prosecutors are reportedly examining whether Feldstein can provide additional material evidence or whether the bulk of the information he possesses was already handed over during earlier interrogations by the Shin Bet and police.

The State Attorney’s Office responded to Walla saying:

“We do not comment on such questions, and this should not be seen as confirmation or denial of any detail.”

Meanwhile, Feldstein’s attorney, Oded Saborai, declined to address the matter directly:

“We are not commenting on the issue of Eli becoming a state witness.”

Political Implications

The scandal — already dubbed “Qatar-Gate” in Israeli political circles—has sparked fierce debate across the political spectrum. Netanyahu’s critics argue that the alleged ties between his close aides and Qatar reveal a dangerous breach of trust that could compromise Israel’s national security. Lapid, in his testimony, portrayed the alleged misconduct not only as illegal but also as a direct threat to the integrity of Israel’s leadership.