A political firestorm is engulfing Israel’s security and political elite as two former Mossad operatives are now under investigation for allegedly working with Qatari intelligence, dramatically escalating the so-called “Qatargate” scandal that has already ensnared close advisers to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The suspects—both once senior figures in Israel’s vaunted intelligence community—are believed to have maintained ties with Qatari officials and engaged in business dealings that may have compromised national security, Channel 12 reported Thursday. One of the former agents, known by the codename “Shin,” reportedly cooperated with Qatari intelligence while still serving in the Mossad and now operates in Qatar’s business sector. The other is David Saig, a longtime associate and former subordinate of “Shin” in the Mossad. The revelation adds a new layer to the already explosive investigation, which centers on Netanyahu aides Jonatan Urich and Eli Feldstein. Both are suspected of secretly working for a pro-Qatar lobbying firm while simultaneously serving as media consultants to the prime minister—allegedly helping Doha improve its image in Israel, particularly in the context of hostage negotiations with Hamas. Reports indicate retired IDF General Yoav Mordechai—formerly the Defense Ministry’s top liaison to Palestinian territories—may have connected key Qatargate figures to Doha. The company he co-owns with “Shin” is reportedly tied to German-Israeli businessman Gil Birger, who allegedly funneled funds from Qatar-linked lobbyist Jay Footlik to Feldstein. Judge Menachem Mizrahi initially struck down police efforts to extend Urich’s detention, blasting investigators for acting “unlawfully” and accusing them of arresting suspects without clear evidence. But the Lod District Court overturned the decision and ordered Urich held until Monday. (YWN World Headquarters – NYC)