Netanyahu aides face potential national security charges in ‘Qatargate’ probe

According to a report by Israel's Channel 13, Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara is expected to decide whether to charge Yonatan Urich and Eli Feldstein, advisers to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, with national security offences in the so-called 'Qatargate' case. A former senior Mossad official, also a suspect, may face charges following a hearing. While the Shin Bet and Mossad have yet to provide a final assessment, Justice Ministry officials cited by Channel 13 suggest there is sufficient evidence to pursue charges of 'contact with a foreign agent'. Urich and Feldstein are primary suspects in the case, which involves allegations of lobbying for Qatar, illicit foreign ties, and corruption during their tenure at the Prime Minister's Office. Mossad chief Roman Gofman may face a conflict of interest regarding the final assessment due to his previous role as Netanyahu's military secretary. Urich and Feldstein were detained and questioned in March 2025. A third adviser, Israel Einhorn, remains in Serbia, reportedly fearing arrest if he returns to Israel; he was recently questioned in Belgrade. Urich separately faces charges from June 2024 related to the leak of classified military intelligence to the German newspaper Bild, allegedly intended to bolster Netanyahu's narrative that Hamas, not the Prime Minister, was obstructing hostage negotiations. Israel Hayom reported on Sunday that the trio is also suspected of leaking information regarding Israel's concerns over Egypt's role in Gaza war negotiations to Doha. The report alleges Qatar leaked this information to Israeli journalists to undermine Cairo's standing and promote Doha's role in hostage talks. The information reportedly originated from security meetings held between March and May 2024 regarding Egypt's compliance with the 1979 peace treaty. These cases have created significant political pressure for Netanyahu, with critics alleging corruption and conflicts of interest within his inner circle.