Israeli Businessman Confirms Money Transfer to Netanyahu Aide in Qatar-Gate Investigation
Gil Birger admitted to transferring money from a Qatari lobbyist to Netanyahu’s aide for tax purposes. The ongoing Qatar-Gate investigation by Shin Bet explores connections between the Prime Minister’s Office and Qatari officials amid concerns for state security.
Recently, Israeli businessman Gil Birger acknowledged in a released recording that he facilitated a financial transfer from Jay Footlik, an American lobbyist for the Qatari government, to Eli Feldstein, a former aide to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. This transaction occurred during Feldstein’s tenure as Netanyahu’s spokesman and was reportedly conducted for tax purposes. Notably, it remains unclear if Feldstein was aware of the Qatari origins of the funds.
Birger confirmed during the recording that he was indeed asked to make the transfer and expressed his long-standing acquaintance with Footlik, stating, “I’ve known him for 25 years.” However, he made it clear that he does not engage in the specifics of such transactions, asserting, “I don’t work on this, I don’t work in the country, I have no connection to people in the country.”
This revelation is part of the ongoing investigation known as “Qatar-Gate,” which emerged after Israel’s Shin Bet security agency disclosed it was probing links between officials in the Prime Minister’s Office and the Qatari government, citing potential threats to state secrets. This inquiry was prompted by concerns raised by lawmakers Gilad Kariv and Naama Lazimi regarding the alleged services provided by Netanyahu’s advisors to Qatar, a nation known for its financial support of Hamas. Details of the investigation remain under a gag order.
In conclusion, the investigation surrounding the Qatar-Gate affair is intensifying following Gil Birger’s admission regarding the financial transfer to Eli Feldstein. The connection between the Prime Minister’s Office and Qatar raises significant concerns for state security. The situation remains delicate, with ongoing inquiries and a gag order hindering further information dissemination.
Original Source: www.i24news.tv
