Qatargate

Netanyahu adviser asked ChatGPT to help improve Qatar's image among Israelis, Jews worldwide

According to an N12 report, Yonatan Urich requested three separate messaging frameworks targeting Israeli citizens, Jewish communities around the world, and influential figures in the United States.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's adviser Yonatan Urich is seen before a press conference in Tel Aviv, October 3, 2022
Yonatan Urich is seen following a hearing on journalist Omri Assenheim’s refusal to provide police with materials from a program he broadcast about Eli Feldstein, after the District Court ruled that journalistic privilege does not apply, at the Supreme Court in Jerusalem, March 30, 2026.

Qatargate suspect Urich confirms phone was hacked, says leakers will 'pay full price'

Qatar's Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani speaks prior to a quadrilateral meeting between the United States, Iran, Pakistan and Qatar at the Burgenstock luxury hotel complex overlooking Lake Lucerne, Switzerland, on June 21, 2026.

Qatari Prime Minister accuses Netanyahu of sabotaging Gaza peace efforts for his own political gain

European Commissioner for Migration, Dimitris Avramopoulos arrives at Fort St. Angelo in Birgu, Malta, to attend a meeting of Interior ministers from four EU countries, France, Germany, Italy and Malta on September 23, 2019.

Greek parliament lifts immunity of ex-Commissioner amid EU 'Qatargate' probe


High Court orders former Shin Bet officials who challenged Zini appointment to reveal names

The 189 petitioners had argued that Zini lacked the experience required to lead the agency and that his selection was tainted by conflicts of interest.

Israel Security Agency (Shin Bet) Director David Zini visits at Mount Herzl Military Cemetery in Jerusalem during Memorial Day which commemorates the fallen Israeli soldiers and victims of terror, on April 21, 2026.

Mossad Director Gofman prevented from handling 'Qatargate' over conflict of interest

Mossad Director Roman Gofman, who served as the PM's military secretary before becoming spy chief, will not handle the "Qatargate" investigations because of his personal ties to key suspects.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu with newly minted Mossad Director Roman Gofman.

Likud election billboard puts Mamdani alongside Erdogan, Khamenei, and Qassem as Israel's enemies

The billboard features superimposed images of Mamdani, Khamenei, Qassem, and Erdogan, and reads: “They want Netanyahu to lose; don’t let them win.”

A Likud billboard with Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei, New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, and Hezbollah Secretary General Naim Qassem on August 16, 2026.

Bild leak affair defendants to respond to charges against them in first since Urich added

The hearing was the first since the indictment was amended last month to add senior Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu adviser Yonatan Urich as a defendant.

Yonatan Urich following the Tel Aviv District Court ruling rejecting a request for his suspension at the PMO, June 25, 2026.

Netanyahu aide Urich allowed to keep working at PMO after court rejects prosecution's request

Urich has been indicted for allegedly leaking classified military information to the German outlet, Bild, after the military censor barred publishing the information in Israeli media.

Yonatan Urich leaving the courtroom, June 25, 2026.

Netanyahu aide Urich indicted for passing on classified information

Urich's charges were added to the broader 'Bild' case indictment, which includes charges against former Prime Minister's Office spokesman Eli Feldstein and IDF reservist Ari Rosenfeld.

Yonatan Urich who was arrested in the so-called Qatargate investigation arrives for a court hearing the court in Lod, August 19, 2025.

Behind the smiles and the sanctions: The hidden truth about Israeli-European relations

Amid headlines of EU-Israel tension, Prof. Sharon Pardo reveals that trade, arms, and cooperation quietly persist, even as EU statements grow harsher.

An illustrative image of a number of European Union member states' flags leading up to the EU flag at the European Parliament headquarters in Brussels, Belgium.

'Midnight Meeting' Affair: PMO chief-of-staff Braverman summoned for pre-indictment hearing

At the heart of the matter, for which the prosecution is considering bringing criminal charges against him, is the "midnight meeting" affair, a sub-chapter in the larger "Bild" and "Qatargate" cases.

Tzachi Braverman walking at the Knesset, the Israeli parliament in Jerusalem, November 11, 2024.

Journalistic privilege expanded by Supreme Court in Assenheim case

The decision does not end the police effort to obtain material from the interview. Rather, the court ordered police to submit a new, narrowed, and concrete request by June 3.

 Eli Feldstein, who were arrested in the so-called Qatargate investigation seen at the District Court in Tel Aviv, on May 15, 2025.

Police summon three journalists to provide testimony in 'Qatargate' investigation

The three reporters were summoned to give open testimony in a case concerning alleged efforts to influence public-relations messaging through journalists about Qatar.

An Israel Police officer standing outside the headquarters of Lahav 433 - The National Crime Unit; illustrative.