How Qatar Infiltrated Netanyahu's Office

A bombshell investigation by Yedioth Ahronoth's "7 Days" supplement, set for full release tomorrow, has uncovered a trail of WhatsApp messages showing how pro-Qatar messaging campaigns allegedly seeped into Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office. The probe details how Israel Einhorn, a former Netanyahu associate now based in Serbia, crafted favorable narratives about Qatar, which were then relayed through military spokesman Eli Feldstein to senior advisor Yonatan Urich and ultimately disseminated to journalists as official lines from the PM's office.

The revelations come amid two major scandals rocking Israel's political landscape: the "Qatar-Gate" affair, involving alleged influence operations to burnish Qatar's image as a mediator in hostage negotiations, and the leak of classified documents exposing sensitive intelligence on Hezbollah's plans. Both cases have triggered police investigations, with Feldstein and Urich already questioned.

According to the report, Einhorn, working on Qatari-funded campaigns, formulated talking points to portray Qatar as a reliable US ally superior to Egypt in brokering deals for the release of Israeli hostages held by Hamas. These messages were sent to Feldstein, who forwarded them to Urich, Netanyahu's closest aide. Journalists receiving the briefs were unaware of their origins, believing them to be independent stances from the Prime Minister.

One exposed message from Einhorn to Feldstein read: "In closed conversations held yesterday, American officials told their Israeli counterparts, we understand that Egypt and especially Egyptian intelligence can no longer be trusted. The Egyptians are only concerned with economic profit from Hamas. From now on, Qatar will lead the negotiations after proving itself in a hostage deal and it is a strategic partner of the United States." Feldstein asked if he should pass it on, received approval, and sent it to Urich, followed by a phone call.

Another example: Einhorn's note claimed US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan spoke to Netanyahu and discussed Qatar leading "day-after" efforts in Gaza. Feldstein relayed it to Urich for CNN placement as a "headline," but Urich hesitated, fearing denials.

The trio, Einhorn, Feldstein, and Urich, also shared media updates on Qatar-Israel ties. In one instance, after a report on Qatar's frustration with Israeli ministers' criticisms, Urich replied: "We did it, hello."

Feldstein, in police interrogations, insisted he was unaware of any Qatari campaign, viewing the messages as aligning with Netanyahu's public briefings. "In real time I did not suspect," he said. "Later it turned out I was naive and stupid." Urich denied involvement in any Qatari efforts or knowledge of them within the office.

The investigation also delves into the classified leaks affair. Feldstein claims Ari Rosenfeld, a sensitive intelligence operative, provided him with four top-secret items, including, for the first time revealed, a Hezbollah launch plan. Feldstein says he informed Netanyahu, who instructed him to pass the Hezbollah intel to Military Secretary Maj. Gen. Roman Gofman. Gofman denies receiving it.

Einhorn responded: "Our work shared the truth with Israelis, based on facts: Money to Gaza was at Israel's request, under IDF oversight. Israel approached Qatar to avert disaster, then attacked it politically. Hamas leaders in Doha are there at Israel-US behest for monitoring. Qatar hosts the largest US air base in the Gulf."

Feldstein's lawyers stated: "All his actions were under superiors' orders. It's a shame they deny responsibility and scapegoat him."

Urich provided no response.