"Israel Launches Investigation Into Alleged Ties Between Netanyahu’s Office and Qatar"

Key Points with Further Details

Investigation Ordered by Attorney-General
- Attorney-General Gali Baharav-Miara directed the Israel Police and the Shin Bet to investigate officials in Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office over suspected ties to Qatar.
- The decision followed discussions between the Attorney-General, the State Attorney, Israel Police’s Investigations and Intelligence Division, and Shin Bet professionals.
Allegations of Ties Between Netanyahu’s Office and Qatar
- The investigation focuses on suspected connections between individuals in Netanyahu’s office and Qatari-linked individuals.
- Two weeks prior, the Shin Bet had already launched an investigation into these suspicions, as confirmed in an official letter to MK Gilad Kariv.
Expansion of Investigation to Other Government Ministries
- The Shin Bet clarified that the probe extends beyond Netanyahu’s office, reaching other government ministries.
- The Movement for the Quality of Government urged the removal of all officials implicated in the allegations.
Background on the ‘Qatargate’ Scandal
- In July 2024, the Middle East Media Research Institute (MEMRI) released documents alleging that Qatar transferred funds to Netanyahu twice in 12 years.
- One document, a classified 2012 letter from former Qatari PM Sheikh Hamad bin Jassim Al Thani, indicated a $50 million grant was approved for Netanyahu.
- Another 2012 letter stated that Qatar’s State Security Service delivered the money in cash.
Netanyahu’s Response to the Allegations

When the documents were first published, a Likud spokesperson dismissed them as "false and illusory accusations."
Likud framed the claims as "false propaganda" aimed at damaging
Israel during a time of war.

Conclusion

The investigation into suspected ties between officials in Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office and Qatar represents a serious legal and political development. The Attorney-General’s decision to involve both the Israel Police and the Shin Bet suggests that the allegations are being treated with high-level scrutiny. While the investigation has expanded to other government ministries, its full scope and potential legal consequences remain uncertain.

The "Qatargate" scandal, originating from MEMRI's claims about secret Qatari payments to Netanyahu, adds further controversy. Netanyahu’s Likud party has strongly denied the accusations, calling them baseless and politically motivated. However, the probe could have significant implications for Netanyahu’s government, especially if evidence substantiates the claims.

At this stage, the investigation is ongoing, and its outcome will determine whether the allegations lead to legal action or are dismissed as unfounded.

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