Netanyahu Slams 'Qatar-Gate' as Political Witch Hunt

Israeli Prime Minister Denounces 'Qatar-Gate' Probe as Political Persecution

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has strongly criticized an ongoing police investigation into alleged ties between his former aides and Qatar, branding it a "witch hunt" after testifying in connection with the case.

The probe, referred to as “Qatar-gate,” centers on claims that Netanyahu’s former adviser and former spokesperson received payments from the Gulf state. Both individuals were arrested on Monday but have denied any wrongdoing.

Although Netanyahu himself has not been named as a suspect, he condemned the arrests, accusing law enforcement authorities of using his former aides as “hostages.” He emphatically stated, “There is no case.”

In a parallel statement, a Qatari official dismissed the allegations as part of a “smear campaign” aimed at tarnishing Qatar’s image. The country has played a significant mediating role in negotiations between Israel and Hamas during the ongoing conflict in Gaza.

This development comes amid mounting public discontent within Israel, where Netanyahu is facing growing demonstrations over his domestic and foreign policies. Protesters have voiced opposition to several controversial moves, including the resumption of Israeli military operations against Hamas prior to securing the release of all remaining hostages, the dismissal of the head of the Shin Bet internal security agency, and his contentious judicial reform plan.