Netanyahu Denounces 'Witch Hunt' Amid Qatar Probe After Aides' Arrest

As two of his aides were arrested in connection with the investigation dubbed "Qatar-gate," Prime Minister Netanyahu characterized the police's actions as a "hostage" situation and claimed there was no valid case against them. He faces increasing political pressure and public outcry over contentious policies and the recent arrest developments.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has branded a police investigation into alleged ties between his aides and Qatar as a "witch hunt," following the Monday arrest of two close associates. This comes shortly after he provided testimony in relation to the inquiries and amid mounting protests concerning his handling of national issues and policies surrounding the ongoing conflict with Hamas.

The individuals arrested, identified as Yonatan Urich, Netanyahu’s adviser, and Eli Feldstein, a former spokesman, are accused of multiple offenses including bribery, fraud, and potential connections with foreign agents, as revealed amidst the investigation often referred to as "Qatar-gate." Both men have vehemently denied any wrongdoing.

Netanyahu, not named as a suspect in this case, criticized the police's actions, claiming they held his associates as "hostages" and asserted, “There is no case.” His statements were echoed by a Qatari official who referred to the probe as a "smear campaign," especially considering Qatar's role as a mediator between Israel and Hamas during the ongoing conflict.

The investigation arrives at a time of escalating discontent within Israel, exacerbated by Netanyahu's offensive against Hamas before ensuring the release of all hostages. Criticism has also arisen over his recent dismissal of the Shin Bet security chief amidst revelations that Israel's Supreme Court has temporarily frozen that decision, pending a judicial review.

On Monday, Israeli police confirmed the detention of Urich and Feldstein as part of inquiries into their potential actions that aimed to cast Qatar positively while disparaging Egypt’s engagement in Gaza ceasefire talks. A judge extended the pair's detention for three days, highlighting reasonable suspicion regarding their activities.

Further complicating matters, Netanyahu's government recently terminated security chief Ronen Bar, citing a lack of trust, related to the catastrophic events surrounding Hamas’s October 7 attack. Following this, the Supreme Court has intervened, allowing Bar to remain in his position during the appeal process.

As tensions rise over these issues, Netanyahu's office also announced a reversal on the appointment of a new Shin Bet chief to further explore candidates amid criticism from his own party leaders concerning the initially proposed appointee's past political engagements.

Qatar, meanwhile, has a long-standing association with Palestinian factions, and faces scrutiny amid Israeli accusations of bolstering Hamas's authority through financial contributions, even as it played a role in brokering ceasefire agreements in the current conflict.

With legal challenges looming and widespread demonstrations calling for accountability, Netanyahu's political future may hinge on the outcome of this inquiry and public sentiment surrounding his administration's actions.