FAMAGUSTA GAZETTE – Two close associates of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu were remanded Tuesday following their arrest over alleged unlawful ties with Qatar in a case dubbed “Qatar-Gate.”
Yonatan Urich, Netanyahu’s senior advisor, and Eli Feldstein, his former military affairs spokesman, face charges including contact with a foreign agent, money laundering, bribery, fraud, and breach of trust.
The investigation centers on suspected business dealings with Qatar, a Gulf state without formal diplomatic ties to Israel but active in Gaza ceasefire mediation.
A magistrate’s court extended their detention until Thursday, citing concerns over obstruction of the investigation.
The court noted alleged connections between Feldstein and a U.S.-based company, The Third Circle, owned by Jay Footlik, a former aide to U.S. President Bill Clinton. Payments were reportedly funneled through intermediaries to Urich.
Netanyahu testified Monday as a witness, denying involvement and calling the probe a “political hunt” aimed at undermining his leadership.