Daijiworld Media Network - Jerusalem
Jerusalem, Oct 15: Yonatan Urich, a senior aide and personal media adviser to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, reportedly met senior Qatari official Ali al-Thawadi at least twice in July 2024, according to Israeli broadcaster N12.
The report, published on Wednesday, cited testimony Urich gave to Israel’s Lahav 433 police unit in May 2025. Thawadi was described as one of Qatar’s most influential figures and a close associate of the country’s emir.
One of the alleged meetings reportedly included Urich’s business partner, Yisrael “Srulik” Einhorn, and lobbyist Jay Footlik. Urich had previously denied knowing or meeting Footlik.
During questioning, investigators asked Urich about testimony from a former senior Mossad official identified as S., who alleged that he and Einhorn had met Thawadi, described as the “head of the Israel project”, at least twice.
An investigator asked Urich about the meetings and whether he and Einhorn had presented their ideas to Thawadi. Urich said he did not remember presenting anything at any meeting. He did not directly accuse the former Mossad official of lying but maintained that he could not recall where or when the alleged meetings took place.
When investigators specified that the meetings occurred after the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack on Israel, Urich responded, “If you say so.”
According to N12, the meetings were not part of an official assignment on behalf of Israel. Netanyahu had previously testified that Urich had not informed him about his alleged ties to Qatar or the meetings with Thawadi.
The latest report comes amid controversy over Urich’s WhatsApp account, which he said had been hacked. He also alleged that private conversations had been leaked and altered, warning that those responsible for hacking, publishing or distributing the messages would face legal action.
Israeli media reports said the leaked material included conversations concerning politics, law, journalism and political consulting. The anonymous account that published the messages reportedly claimed to possess additional conversations that could be released later.
Urich is a central suspect in the investigation known as “Qatargate”, which concerns alleged corruption and possible Qatari influence involving individuals close to Netanyahu’s office. The allegations remain subject to investigation.
The case is separate from the “Bild affair”, which involves the alleged leaking of classified information to the German newspaper Bild. Both investigations have drawn scrutiny of individuals connected to the Prime Minister’s Office.