Israel's Netanyahu called to testify in 'Qatar gate' probe

JERUSALEM,— Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu briefly left his ongoing corruption trial on Monday to provide testimony in a separate investigation concerning potential ties between his aides and Qatar, according to Israel’s public broadcaster Kan.

Authorities earlier in the day arrested two individuals as part of the probe, which has been referred to as “Qatar-gate” in Israeli media. Police confirmed the arrests but declined to disclose further details due to a court-imposed gag order.

A source close to the prime minister confirmed the reports. Kan reported that Netanyahu is not considered a suspect and was questioned at his office in Jerusalem as a witness.

Netanyahu, who is facing separate corruption charges that he denies, has dismissed allegations involving his aides and Qatar as politically motivated and false. A Qatari official also rejected the accusations, calling them part of a “smear campaign” against the Gulf nation.

According to investigations conducted by Kan and the newspaper Haaretz, the aides under scrutiny allegedly worked to promote Qatar’s international standing. The individuals deny any wrongdoing.

Meanwhile, Netanyahu announced the appointment of Eli Sharvit, a former commander of Israel’s navy, to lead the Shin Bet, the country’s internal security agency.

The move follows a protracted dispute with current director Ronen Bar, who has been overseeing the Qatar-related probe in conjunction with police.

Bar remains in office as Israel’s Supreme Court considers legal challenges to his dismissal. A ruling is expected on April 8.

The decision to remove Bar has sparked street protests in Tel Aviv and Jerusalem, with demonstrators accusing Netanyahu’s government of trying to derail the Qatar investigation.

Netanyahu has defended Bar’s dismissal, citing a loss of confidence in him over the October 7, 2023, security lapse, which resulted in Israel’s deadliest attack in decades and led to the ongoing war with Hamas in Gaza.

Opposition lawmakers and civil rights groups have filed legal petitions against Bar’s removal, arguing that the timing suggests an effort to obstruct the investigation.

Although Israel does not classify Qatar as a hostile state, the Gulf nation hosts Hamas officials and has acted as a mediator, alongside Egypt, in ceasefire talks between Israel and the Palestinian militant group.

Bar, who played a key role in brokering a temporary ceasefire and hostage exchange in January, has claimed his removal is driven by political motives and could undermine the Qatar probe.

Netanyahu’s Likud party dismissed the allegations, asserting that the arrests and investigation were part of a broader effort to prevent Bar’s removal and weaken the government.

Public outcry over Bar’s dismissal has fueled mass demonstrations against Netanyahu’s leadership and the government’s handling of the war in Gaza. Tens of thousands of protesters have accused Netanyahu of using the conflict for political gain while delaying efforts to secure the release of hostages still held by Hamas.

Netanyahu stated on Sunday that the resumption of military operations in Gaza was intended to pressure Hamas into releasing the remaining 59 Israeli hostages.

(With files from Reuters)