Netanyahu aide Jonatan Urich admits to receiving funds to promote Qatar

Jonatan Urich, a senior adviser to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, has admitted during interrogation in the ‘Qatargate’ affair to receiving hundreds of thousands of shekels to promote Qatar’s image.

Urich testified that his work for Qatari interests may have continued until mid-to-late 2024, a period that includes the months following the October 7 attacks. While he acknowledged the work, he stated he did not perform these activities within Israel and denied that the role created a conflict of interest. He maintained that he saw nothing “morally or professionally improper” in his conduct.

Investigators are examining whether Urich’s dual roles—promoting Qatar abroad while participating in messaging critical of the country within Israel—constituted a breach of ethics. Urich stated that he did not report these activities to Prime Minister Netanyahu, noting that as an external adviser, he was not required to make such disclosures. He further claimed that neither the Prime Minister nor the Qatari parties were aware of his simultaneous involvement in both capacities.