It has now been publicly revealed that Zvika Klein, Editor-in-Chief of The Jerusalem Post, is the journalist currently being investigated in connection with the unfolding Qatar-Gate scandal. Authorities suspect Klein of having ties with a foreign operative and allege that he served as a go-between for Eli Feldstein, spokesperson for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Israeli businessman Gil Birger, and Jay Footlik, an American citizen who formerly lobbied on behalf of the Qatari government.
Klein reportedly traveled to Qatar last year on an official media assignment, following an invitation extended to him in his professional capacity. During and after his visit, he published interviews with senior Qatari officials. As part of the probe, investigators are expected to summon and question additional members of the media who are believed to have helped give Qatar a public platform. These developments come amid broader allegations concerning Netanyahu’s advisors, Yonatan Urich and Eli Feldstein.
Earlier, a court extended the remand of both Urich and Feldstein by 48 hours and simultaneously rescinded a gag order that had been imposed on the case. Police maintain that Urich played a role in disseminating information to journalists under the guise that it originated from the Prime Minister’s Office, though investigators suspect it actually stemmed from Qatari-aligned sources. The judge overseeing the proceedings remarked that a significant number of such reports had already been circulated.
During a court session, Police Investigator Zohar Erez confirmed that Urich had been interrogated over whether he leaked sensitive Cabinet-level material. Additionally, it has been reported that Prime Minister Netanyahu himself was asked during questioning whether his advisor had divulged confidential information.
Attorney Amit Hadad, representing Urich, criticized what he described as aggressive tactics used by the police. He pointed to one incident in which an interrogator allegedly told Urich, “Think carefully, because you can see your child tonight.” Investigator Erez, who was present during the session, denied that any such comment had been made.
Hadad also argued that the arrest warrant was issued without a sufficient factual summary to support it. He said that omission constituted a procedural violation, undermining not only the legal basis of the arrest but also his client’s rights. He further accused investigators of trying to pressure Urich into turning state’s witness, calling the approach coercive and inappropriate.
In his appeal to the court, Hadad demanded that the gag order be lifted, claiming that the entire investigation lacked credible evidence and was being manipulated for public relations purposes. “There is no substantial evidence in this case, only empty accusations designed to serve a media agenda. The justice system must not be allowed to obscure the truth through procedural barriers, particularly when it involves such a severe violation of an individual’s rights and reputation.”
Judge Menachem Mizrahi ultimately agreed to remove the gag order, issuing a stay of execution despite the police’s request to appeal. The judge explained that the order had already been largely ineffective, given that much of the information had already reached the press.
It’s worth noting that Attorney Hadad is representing both Urich and Prime Minister Netanyahu in the investigation. This dual representation prompted Attorney Oded Savorai, legal counsel for Feldstein, to raise concerns before the court regarding possible ethical conflicts. He questioned whether authorities were doing enough to prevent interference in the investigation, considering that the same lawyer was advising multiple parties tied to the case.
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