Israeli Court Extends Detention of Netanyahu's Advisers Amid Qatargate Investigation

An Israeli court has extended the detention of two advisers to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Jonatan Urich and Eli Feldstein, who are suspected of engaging in illicit ties with Qatar, an affair known as Qatargate. They face allegations of bribery, fraud, and contact with foreign agents, including presenting Qatari messages as originating from the prime minister’s office. Netanyahu has accused the police of holding his aides 'hostage' amid ongoing investigations, which has drawn criticism from families of hostages currently held in Gaza. Opposition leaders have suggested that the arrests are politically motivated attempts to undermine Netanyahu and his government. The investigation, which includes participation from Shin Bet, has led to claims of a 'fabricated affair' designed to destabilize Netanyahu's administration. As the situation unfolds, Netanyahu is expected to testify regarding the allegations against his aides.