Former Israeli Security Chief Defends Qatar’s Espionage Tactics in “QatarGate” Scandal
Ex-National Security Adviser Giora Eiland compares Qatari infiltration efforts to Israel’s own intelligence operations, as Netanyahu aides face arrest for taking Qatari money.
Watan-Former Israeli National Security Council head, retired General Giora Eiland, commented on the “QatarGate” case, saying he “understands Qatar’s point of view, as every country—including Israel—tries to recruit agents within the other side’s leadership. That’s how intelligence agencies operate.”
Eiland told Maariv newspaper:“How do you recruit human agents like Qatar did? Qatar wanted to understand what was happening around Israel’s decision-makers and to influence them as well. They were ambitious in targeting the Prime Minister’s Office.”
Eiland—known for engineering the controversial “Generals’ Plan” to displace northern Gaza residents—added:
“Just as Israel managed to recruit one of Egyptian President Anwar Sadat’s closest aides—nicknamed ‘The Angel,’ who warned Tel Aviv hours before the 1973 war—Qatar succeeded in targeting Netanyahu’s close advisers who were relatively easy to influence or recruit.”
He continued:“Of course, no one called Netanyahu’s aides saying, ‘Hi, I’m the head of Qatari intelligence, work with me.’ But someone reached out skillfully and offered them something that looked appealing—like public relations work. Once someone agrees to take money from you, they belong to you.”
QatarGate Deepens Netanyahu’s Political Crisis
The QatarGate scandal erupted after revelations that Netanyahu’s close advisers allegedly received Qatari funds as part of a campaign to improve Doha’s image. The controversy adds to a growing list of crises threatening Netanyahu’s political future.
Israeli media reported that police arrested Yonatan Urich and Eli Fildstein, two close advisers to Netanyahu, on suspicion of receiving money from Qatar via American lobbying groups. Preliminary investigations suggest the funds were used to boost Qatari influence in Israel—particularly during ceasefire negotiations in Gaza.
Qatar has long been a central mediator between Hamas and Israel, providing financial aid to Gaza under Tel Aviv’s supervision. However, since October 7, 2023, the political climate inside Israel has shifted, and growing voices are calling for a reassessment of relations with Qatar.
