Drama in Israel: Netanyahu Returns to the Interrogation Room Over Alleged Cooperation with Qatar

There’s never a dull moment in Israel. In the midst of a court hearing in which Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is testifying in connection to three past corruption cases involving alleged bribery, he abruptly left the courtroom—this time to provide testimony or be interrogated in a new and ongoing investigation.

According to emerging suspicions, several of Netanyahu’s advisors were simultaneously employed both by the Prime Minister’s Office and by the government of Qatar, which had allegedly hired them for a public relations campaign. Qatar is known for its support of the Hamas terror organization.

The investigation has been underway for several months. At its center is Netanyahu’s communications advisor, Yonatan Urich, as well as former Prime Minister’s spokesperson Eli Feldstein, who has been under house arrest for several months over an illegal leak that allegedly compromised Israel’s national security.

This morning brought a new development: Netanyahu’s advisors were detained for questioning by police. Later, the Attorney General granted permission for the Prime Minister himself to be questioned in connection with the case. The interrogation took place at Netanyahu’s office.

Authorities are now examining whether Netanyahu was aware that his advisors were being paid by the Qatari government. The suspicions include potential violations of laws concerning “contact with a foreign agent” as well as tax-related offenses.