What is “Catalgate,” the latest rage to bury Israel?

For many years, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has been on a corruption trial despite overseeing conflicts in Gaza, Lebanon and Syria.

Now he is trapped in another conflict with Israeli law enforcement. This is a police investigation that renewed calls from opponents to his resignation.

The incident, known as “Katalgate,” lies on the allegations that Netanyahu's media advisor was paid by Qatar representatives to promote Qatar's interests in Israeli news media. The claims angered many Israelis because they created a perception of conflict of interest. For years, Qatar has hosted Hamas leaders.

Netanyahu's recent efforts to fire the head of Israeli internal security agency Singh Bett have exacerbated the rage. It was Singh's gamble that first incited Netanyahu's aide to investigate.

Netanyahu dismissed the case as a “political manhunt” aimed at defeating him from power. In a statement, the Qatar government said the allegations were unfounded.

What is the claim?

According to court records, police officers are investigating whether Netanyahu's two aides, Jonathan Ulich and Eli Feldstein, tried to promote Qatar's favorable image in Israeli news media. They allegedly worked with a third party that was not named on the record.

Both Egypt and Qatar have been mediating Hamas and Israel since late 2023, but have not always worked at Rockstep. Court records show that the three men are suspected to cultivate the idea that Qatar played a more important role than Egypt in diplomatic efforts to secure a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip.

The Qatar government denied the claim in the statement, praised Egypt's “vital role” and said the country was “working closely.”

Ulich and Feldstein were arrested Monday, and the judge extended their detention for three days on Tuesday. Lawyers for both men declined to comment.

Who is the advisor?

Ulich is a former Israeli military media officer who has become one of Netanyahu's most trusted strategists. He helped mastermind the prime minister's communication strategy through several recent elections. In his autobiography, Netanyahu described him as “a kind of family.”

In addition to his government work, Ulich works for recognition, a public relations company owned by another adviser to Prime Minister Slick Einhorn. In response to comment, Einhorn said the recognition never worked in Qatar.

Feldstein was also a former military spokesman and began working as a liaison between the military correspondent and the Prime Minister's Office at the start of the war. He was arrested last fall in another incident, and he was arrested on suspicion of leaking classified information to a foreign newspaper.

What is Qatar's role?

Court records do not suggest that Qatar cooperated directly with Netanyahu's aides.

Instead, records say the aides were directed by ThirdCircle, a US-based lobbying group representing Qatar in various countries, including the United States. Court records show that Third Car paid Feldstein through an Israeli intermediary. The records do not clarify whether or how Mr Ulich was compensated.

Jay Footlik, founder of ThirdCircle and former aide to President Clinton, declined to comment.

A Qatar government statement said the allegations “confer only on the agenda of those who interfere with mediation efforts and undermine relations between the nations.”

How is Netanyahu involved?

The Prime Minister is not a suspect in the case, but he was questioned by police on Monday evening for more than an hour.

To hold that meeting, Netanyahu was forced to depart early from his other corruption trial. In that case, he is accused of admitting the regulatory favor to businessmen and media executives in exchange for bribery and positive reporting. He denies those accusations.

What is the role of thimbet?

Singh Bett, Israel's national intelligence reporting agency, is closely involved in investigating aides.

When Netanyahu tried to fire agency director Ronen Barr last month, he promoted accusations that he was punishing Barr for pursuing the case.

Netanyahu denied the claim. He said Mr. Burr was fired due to lapse of sinbet by sinbet in the time before the October 2023 attack on Israel.

Why did the case touch the nerve?

For years, Qatar has hosted senior Hamas members. Since 2018, Qatar has sent over $1 billion in aid funds to civilians in Gaza.

US authorities quietly supported the first arrangement, and the Israeli government directly demanded a second. Still, Netanyahu's opponents are furious that officials who know the secrets of the Israeli state may at the same time represent a country that works very closely with Israel's enemies.

Netanyahu's clash with Singh Bett also created a perception of conflict of interest. More generally, the incident amplifies criticism that he is fighting too many personal battles to effectively govern. And it exacerbated the fear that Netanyahu's broader efforts to reassess the judiciary were rooted in personal grievances.

Myra Noveck contributed to the report from Jerusalem and Gabby Sobelman of Rehovot, Israel.