Qatargate Bombshell: U.S. Lobbyist Wanted for Qatar’s Secret Israel Campaign

Israeli police have issued an arrest warrant for Jay Footlik, an American lobbyist based in the United States, linked to the “Qatargate” scandal, which alleges he orchestrated a campaign to enhance Qatar’s image in Israel. The warrant, issued on August 27, 2025, will only take effect if Footlik enters Israel, as the U.S. government has blocked efforts to conduct a deposition in the U.S. Footlik, a registered Qatari lobbyist under the U.S. Foreign Agents Registration Act since 2019, is accused of funnelling funds through his firm, ThirdCircle Inc., to Israeli aides of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, including Jonatan Urich and Eli Feldstein, to promote pro-Qatari narratives during Israel’s war with Hamas. The campaign, reportedly funded by a $2.5 million contract with Qatar’s U.S. embassy, aimed to portray Qatar positively as a hostage deal mediator while discrediting Egypt’s role.

The Qatargate investigation, which has roiled Israeli politics, centers on allegations of bribery, fraud, and contact with a foreign agent involving Netanyahu’s inner circle. Israeli businessman Gil Birger admitted in a March 2025 recording to transferring funds from Footlik to Feldstein for “VAT issues,” raising suspicions of illicit financial ties. “Jay asked for my help because of VAT issues. I’ve known him for 25 years,” Birger said, though Feldstein’s attorneys claimed the payments were for legitimate services to the Prime Minister’s Office.

The U.S. Department of Justice cancelled a planned July 2025 inquiry into Footlik without explanation, leaving Israeli investigators puzzled, with some speculating it relates to Qatar’s role in ongoing hostage negotiations. The probe has expanded to include former security officials and another Netanyahu aide, Yisrael Einhorn, with Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara seeking Einhorn’s extradition from Serbia. Amid public protests and accusations of government corruption, the scandal highlights Qatar’s complex role as a Hamas backer and mediator, with over $1.5 billion in aid to Gaza since 2018, per regional reports.