Qatar-Gate Investigation: Key Suspects, Offshoots, and Alleged Crimes

Overview of the Allegations

The ongoing investigation into the controversial “Qatar-Gate” scandal has shed light on the activities of a U.S. firm named The Third Circle, owned by Jay Pottlick. The company is accused of promoting Qatar’s interests across several countries, including Israel. Allegations suggest that The Third Circle contacted advisor Jonathan Orich to present Qatar positively regarding hostage negotiations while disseminating negative information about Egypt’s role as a mediator, aiming to enhance Doha’s reputation.

The Financial Network

Reports indicate a financial connection facilitated through Israeli political consultants Orich and Israel “Shrolik” Einhorn between The Third Circle and PR consultant Shimon Feldstein. Allegations state that the payment to Feldstein was relayed from Pottlick’s firm through businessman Gil Birger, who has reportedly admitted his involvement.

According to investigators, the trio worked together to push pro-Qatar messages in the media, simultaneously diminishing Egypt’s role as a credible mediator. This communication was allegedly conducted under the pretense of representations from “Israeli security and diplomatic sources.”

Conflicting Testimonies

The testimonies from Feldstein and Orich differ. Feldstein claims that the payment he received from Birger was solely for his work at the Prime Minister’s office, emphasizing he had no knowledge of any Qatari connection. Conversely, Orich asserts ignorance about this payment method, denying all associations with it. Their conflicting accounts led to a heated confrontation during questioning.

During his police investigation, Orich faced additional accusations of “leaking classified information” linking him to the scandal. Another advisor of Prime Minister Netanyahu, Einhorn, has reportedly refused to return from Serbia for questioning, despite knowing he is required to do so, maintaining his innocence regarding the charges.

Extended Investigation and Arrests

New developments emerged following a court hearing in Rishon Lezion, resulting in the extension of Feldstein and Orich’s detention. Initially, police sought a week’s extension but were granted two days by Judge Menahem Mizrahi. During the session, a police investigator menti-d ongoing confidence that crucial information from the investigation has yet to leak to the public.

The investigation into potential leaks prompted the Police Internal Investigations Unit (Mishra) to step in, indicating the seriousness of the allegations.

The Involvement of Journalists

The editor of the Jerusalem Post, Tzvika Klein, was initially called to provide a comprehensive testimony related to the case. During questioning, he was classified as a suspect and subjected to extensive hours of interrogation, resulting in house arrest, which sparked outrage among fellow journalists. Klein was later released after clarifying his role in a recent visit to Qatar, facilitated by Einhorn, where he engaged with high-ranking government officials.

Klein’s testimony indicated that he was proposed interviews regarding his experiences in Qatar, linking him to the broader investigation of alleged coordinated efforts to promote Qatari interests.

Prime Minister Netanyahu’s Response

Prime Minister Netanyahu has not been directly implicated in the investigation but was questi-d about the activities of his advisors. He has publicly dismissed the legitimacy of the investigation, asserting that it aims to politically undermine him. Netanyahu has also claimed that his advisers, Orich and Feldstein, are being unfairly detained as “hostages” in the inquiry, which has drawn parental outcry from families of hostages involved in regional conflicts.

In recent statements, Netanyahu criticized the investigation as politically motivated, emphasizing he was unaware of any collusion between his advisors and Qatari representatives.

Qatar’s Official Statement

In an official statement following the scandal’s exposure, Qatar refuted only parts of the accusations levied against it, denying any funding of campaigns that would tarnish Egypt’s reputation as a mediator between Israel and Hamas. The Qatari government emphasized that recent allegations are an attempt to disrupt ongoing negotiations concerning the return of hostages and reflect a misrepresentation of its position.

Conclusion

As the Qatar-Gate investigation unfolds, heightened scrutiny continues regarding alleged financial misconduct, conflicts of interest among political advisors, and the relationships between international consultancy and foreign governments. Authorities are diligently pursuing leads, with further questioning of additional businessmen and journalists expected in the coming days as the investigation deepens.

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