Court Clears Netanyahu’s Aide in Qatar-Gate Scandal
Court removes restrictions on Netanyahu's adviser, as PM defends his ties with Qatar.
Twitter
A court in Petah Tikva ruled on Thursday evening that Yonathan Urich, a senior advisor to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, will be allowed to return to the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) on Monday, unless the police choose to file an appeal. The court also decided that Urich's restrictive conditions, imposed as part of the ongoing "Qatar-Gate" investigation, will be lifted, leaving only financial guarantees to ensure his presence for further questioning.
The ruling came after a hearing concerning the extension of restrictions on Urich, who is being investigated for his alleged involvement in the Qatar-Gate affair. The judge, Menachem Mizrahi, sharply criticized the police, reiterating concerns raised in previous hearings. Mizrahi also pointed out what he described as "discriminatory" treatment in the case, noting that no similar restrictions were placed on Eli Feldstein, another individual implicated in the case. Mizrahi added that there was no longer any concern that Urich would obstruct the investigation.
In a key development, Mizrahi revealed a quote from Netanyahu's testimony to the police. Netanyahu was questioned about his knowledge of Urich's dealings with Qatar and denied any awareness. "Even if it were the case," Netanyahu reportedly said, "there is nothing wrong with working with Qatar. Many people work with many countries. Qatar is not an enemy state." He further added that since Urich was not a public servant, he had the right to work with whoever he pleased.
The court ruling indicated that Netanyahu's involvement in the case may not require further testimony from him. Mizrahi noted that there had been no need identified in the prosecution's documents for additional questioning of the Prime Minister, suggesting that any investigation into Urich’s actions would not likely implicate Netanyahu directly.
Mizrahi also referenced evidence in the case showing that Urich had likely been involved in business dealings with Jay Potlick, an individual accused of being a foreign agent working on behalf of Qatar. However, the judge stated that the charges did not indicate any intent to harm national security, suggesting that the primary goal of Urich's alleged actions was not espionage but rather promoting Qatar's image through public relations efforts.
In response to the ruling, Jonathan Urich shared a post on social media, referencing the "Song of Ascents" from the Book of Psalms, implying that the legal victory marked a personal triumph.