FIRST REPORT: Editor-in-Chief of the Jerusalem Post Questioned by Israeli Police in Connection with the ‘Qatargate’ Case

The ‘Qatargate’ case, currently under police investigation, is still ongoing. In addition to Netanyahu’s advisors who have been detained and are expected to remain in custody, and the ongoing investigation of the Prime Minister at his office for two hours, police are also questioning the American-Israeli journalist Zvika Klein, who serves as the editor-in-chief of the Jerusalem Post.

Klein is suspected of having recently traveled to Qatar in order to publish a favorable article about the Qatari government, portraying it as a force for peace. Police allege that Klein received benefits in exchange for the article and had contact with a foreign agent—a charge that carries a penalty of up to 15 years in prison.

In April of last year, Klein published an in-depth article after visiting Qatar, writing that: “Qatar’s complex role in the geopolitics of the Middle East is multifaceted—it positions itself as a peacemaker, and its efforts to promote stability align with those of the U.S. and Israel.” In the article, he also cited a claim made by the Qatari government that on October 9, they had reached an agreement with Hamas regarding the release of hostages, “but Israel was determined to free the hostages on its own”, Klein wrote a year ago.

Klein himself addressed the connection some time ago, stating that he acted at the request of Netanyahu’s associates. On X he wrote, “I have never met Eli Feldstein. The first time I spoke with him (by phone) was after the visit to Qatar, in his role as a PR person, as noted by reporter Raviv Drucker this evening, to coordinate the interview between me and Drucker on Channel 13, as well as with Ofer Hadad on Channel 12.”

In a February post, Klein stated: “It was the Qatari government that approached us—the Jerusalem Post—because they knew we are a balanced and influential media outlet, read by government officials and influential American Jews—as many other countries do. We have no need for intermediaries.”