Israeli Businessman Admits Transferring Qatari Funds to Netanyahu Aide

Israeli businessman Gil Birger has acknowledged transferring funds from Qatari lobbyist Jay Footlik to Eli Feldstein, a spokesperson for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, as part of an arrangement related to tax issues. Birger claimed in a recording that he assisted Footlik, whom he has known for 25 years, in transferring the funds while stating he was not involved in Feldstein's employment with the Prime Minister's Office. This revelation is part of the ongoing 'Qatargate' investigation, which looks into potential financial connections between Netanyahu's aides and Qatar amidst concerns over state secrets and their role in hostage negotiations. Feldstein's lawyers insist he did not work for Qatar and was solely engaged in his official role. The investigation, led by the Shin Bet and Israel’s major crimes unit, has also drawn scrutiny towards Netanyahu's attempts to remove Shin Bet chief Ronen Bar, raising speculations about the motivations behind such actions. As the case unfolds, a gag order has been placed on further details, limiting public knowledge about the investigation's specifics.