Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara has ordered an investigation into connections between Prime Minister Netanyahu’s associates and Qatari authorities following reports of media manipulation. The inquiry is being conducted by the police and internal intelligence service amid criticisms from Netanyahu’s Likud party and calls for the attorney general’s dismissal from some coalition ministers.
The Attorney General of Israel, Gali Baharav-Miara, has initiated an investigation into potential ties between several personnel in Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office and the Qatari government. This decision followed a meeting with representatives from the Israel Police and the internal intelligence service, known as Shabak, where details regarding these connections were discussed. The inquiry will be managed by the police and Shabak.
This investigation has emerged after media reports surfaced alleging that Eli Feldstein, a spokesperson for Netanyahu, had communicated favorable information to Israeli journalists on behalf of Qatar. Furthermore, last November, Haaretz uncovered that two of Netanyahu’s close associates, Yonatan Urich and Israel Einhorn, were involved in a media campaign designed to enhance Qatar’s reputation leading up to the 2022 World Cup, hosted by Qatar.
As a significant mediator between Israel and Hamas, Qatar has been regarded by some Israeli officials as a supporter of the group and, in effect, as an adversarial entity. In response to the investigation announcement, Netanyahu’s Likud party issued a statement criticizing the inquiry’s legitimacy, suggesting it primarily benefited those conducting the investigation.
Several ministers within the coalition government, particularly from the right, have called for Attorney General Baharav-Miara’s dismissal, citing concerns that her actions are politically motivated and an overreach of her responsibilities in relation to Netanyahu.
In conclusion, Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara has launched a significant investigation into the connections between Netanyahu’s office and Qatari officials amidst allegations of leaking information to the media. The inquiry raises various political implications and has drawn considerable responses from coalition ministers, illustrating the contentious political climate surrounding these developments.
Original Source: aurora-israel.co.il
