Bombshell: Netanyahu Ordered to Give New Testimony as Qatargate Probe Widens
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu faces renewed scrutiny in the Qatargate investigation, with new evidence prompting calls for additional testimony regarding alleged ties between his aides and Qatari interests.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is set to face further questioning in the ongoing Qatargate investigation, a high-profile case examining alleged ties between his office and Qatari interests. During his previous testimony in March 2025, Netanyahu claimed he was unaware of any connections between his close aides, Yonatan Urich and Eli Feldstein, and Qatari representatives. However, new evidence has prompted investigators to seek another open testimony, which could potentially escalate into a formal interrogation under caution. The investigation, led by the Shin Bet and Israel Police, is probing serious allegations, including the disclosure of classified information, contact with a foreign agent, bribery, fraud, breach of trust, and money laundering.
In March, Netanyahu’s testimony in his separate criminal trial was abruptly halted to allow him to provide an urgent statement at his Jerusalem office regarding Qatargate. On the same day, Urich and Feldstein were detained, with authorities prioritizing Netanyahu’s testimony to prevent any risk of obstruction. Both aides share the same lawyer, Amit Hadad, who also represents Netanyahu, adding complexity to the case. Following his two-hour testimony, Netanyahu released a video sharply criticizing the investigation as a politically motivated effort to undermine a right-wing prime minister and block the dismissal of Shin Bet chief Ronen Bar. He further claimed his aides were being held as “hostages.”
Last week, opposition leader Yair Lapid was also summoned for open testimony. Lapid stated that investigators sought insights into the operations of the Prime Minister’s Office, but the real focus was a meeting he had with Jay Futerman, an American lobbyist working for Qatar and a key suspect in the case. Lapid did not become a suspect, as he reportedly “politely declined” Futerman’s proposal to promote Qatari interests over Egypt’s in hostage release negotiations. Energy Minister Eli Cohen has also been questioned, with more senior politicians expected to face scrutiny soon.
The Qatargate probe centers on allegations that Netanyahu’s aides, including Urich and Feldstein, received payments from Qatar to promote its interests in Israel during the Iron Swords War, raising concerns about conflicts of interest given Qatar’s role as a major funder of Hamas. Additional figures, such as businessman Gil Birger and lobbyist Israel Einhorn, have been linked to the case, with evidence suggesting financial transactions facilitated through Futerman. The investigation continues to unfold, with the Attorney General’s approval pending for Netanyahu’s next testimony.