The Shin Bet has launched an investigation into ties between PMO officials and Qatar, following allegations against Eli Feldstein, a media team member under house arrest. Reports indicate that Feldstein was providing PR services for Qatar while in the PMO, as well as prior claims regarding two other media team members. The investigation aims to uncover potential espionage and political misconduct.
The Shin Bet has initiated an investigation into potential connections between senior officials in the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) and Qatar, as reported by Israeli media on Saturday. The agency confirmed this investigation in an official correspondence to MK Rabbi Meir Kariv, also indicating that inquiries are being conducted in other government ministries.
Additionally, the letter highlighted the Shin Bet’s responsibility to “thwart espionage incidents and expose political secrets,” as they carry out their initial examination of the allegations. This development follows a Channel 12 report stating that Eli Feldstein, a member of the PMO’s media team, is under house arrest for allegedly leaking confidential documents to a German outlet.
Feldstein reportedly provided public relations services to a Qatari-funded international firm while working for the PMO, promoting Qatar’s image in relation to hostage negotiations. This dual role led to confusion among reporters, who perceived his communications on Qatar as stemming from an official Israeli position.
The claims in the report are not independently verified but follow earlier allegations from Haaretz, which detailed that two other media team members, Yonatan Urich and Srulik Einhorn, also offered public relations services to Qatar in preparation for the 2022 World Cup. Urich is currently under police interrogation regarding the leak, while Einhorn is wanted for questioning abroad.
The Shin Bet is exploring the relationships between PMO officials and Qatar amidst serious allegations of espionage and political misconduct. The investigation stems from potential conflicts of interest involving media team members, raising concerns about the integrity of information disseminated by government officials. These developments warrant ongoing scrutiny regarding the management of classified information and its implications for national security.
Original Source: www.jpost.com
