Eli Feldstein and Yonatan Urich provided contradictory testimonies in their investigation regarding Qatargate on Wednesday, with Feldstein claiming that he received money from Birger for his work in the Prime Minister's Office.
What conflicted?
Feldstein, who formerly worked as Netanyahu's military spokesperson, claimed he received a salary from Israeli businessman Gil Birger. According to Feldstein, the payment was arranged through Netanyahu's close adviser, Urich.
Urich, however, denied the claim outright, stating he does not know Birger and has never spoken with him.
Birger, for his part, has said that he transferred the funds on behalf of Jay Footlik, a lobbyist for Qatar, citing tax considerations as the motive. Feldstein admitted to receiving the money but asserted he was unaware that its source was tied to Qatar.
Court reveals details of the investigation
On Tuesday, the Rishon Lezion Magistrate's Court held a hearing on the police request to extend the detention of both Urich and Feldstein. For the first time, the court publicly disclosed the specific allegations under investigation.
Judge Menachem Mizrahi stated there is "reasonable suspicion" that an American company named The Third Circle - allegedly owned by Footlik and involved in promoting Qatar's interests globally, including in Israel - made direct and indirect contact with Urich.
According to the judge, the purpose of the outreach was to promote Qatar in a positive light concerning the hostage deal, while simultaneously undermining Egypt’s image as a neutral mediator.
“In pursuit of this goal, a financial relationship was allegedly formed between the company and Feldstein, facilitated by Urich and another suspect,” the judge wrote. “Payments were transferred from the company to Feldstein via Gil Birger.”
Judge Mizrahi added that the suspects are believed to have disseminated talking points to journalists, resulting in favorable coverage of Qatar and a downplaying of Egypt’s role in the negotiation process. “This effectively influenced the media agenda,” he noted.
Violation of gag order undermines investigation
In a rare move, Judge Mizrahi explained his decision to detail the foundations of the case, citing a breach of the court’s gag order.
“Regrettably, the absolute publication ban has been disregarded, and the petitioner [the police] made no effort to enforce it, thereby compromising the investigation,” he said. “This reality raises suspicion of the offenses attributed to each of the suspects. I emphasize this is only suspicion, yet sufficient under the law for the purposes of this request.”
The investigation remains ongoing, and no formal charges have been filed at this stage.