Israeli Businessman Discloses Fund Transfer from Qatari Lobbyist…

Gil Birger, an Israeli businessman, transferred funds from Qatari lobbyist Jay Footlik to Eli Feldstein, a spokesman for Prime Minister Netanyahu. This development was revealed in a recording aired by Kan Bet, confirming earlier reports. Feldstein’s role in public relations for the Qatari government during hostage negotiations has raised eyebrows amidst claims of a PR campaign to improve Qatar’s image ahead of the World Cup.

In a recently aired recording, Israeli businessman Gil Birger revealed that he transferred funds from Qatari lobbyist Jay Footlik to Eli Feldstein, a spokesman for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The broadcast by Kan Bet reaffirmed earlier reports by Channel 13 News regarding this matter. In the recording, Birger indicated that these funds were needed due to tax-related concerns and emphasized his lack of involvement in operations within Israel.

Birger stated, “[Feldstein] asked for my help because of tax concerns. I have known him for 25 years. I’m not involved; I don’t operate in Israel.” This transfer took place over several months, and Birger noted he had an agreement with Footlik on multiple matters.

Furthermore, Channel 12 had previously reported on Feldstein providing public relations services for a foreign company linked to the Qatari government during negotiations regarding hostages, while still serving Netanyahu. According to Channel 12, Feldstein communicated with journalists to promote a favorable narrative surrounding Qatar, which ceased following the emergence of the BibiLeaks affair.

Feldstein’s lawyer has contested the accuracy of Channel 12’s report, while Omer Dostri, Netanyahu’s spokesman, stated that the Prime Minister’s Office had no prior knowledge of these developments. In a related report by Haaretz, it was disclosed that two senior advisers to Netanyahu orchestrated a PR campaign to enhance Qatar’s public image ahead of the 2022 World Cup.

These advisers, Yonatan Urich and Israel Einhorn, utilized their company, Perception, to devise a marketing strategy for Qatar, at the time the primary sponsor of Hamas, positioning it as a nation committed to peace and stability. Both Urich and Perception have denied the allegations levied against them.

In conclusion, the revelations regarding Gil Birger’s financial transfer to Eli Feldstein raise significant questions about the intertwining of private and public interests in Israeli politics. The involvement of Qatari lobbyists and public relations campaigns aimed at improving Qatar’s image highlights the complexities in the relationship between Israel and Qatar. The officials’ denial of wrongdoing further emphasizes the necessity for transparency and scrutiny in political dealings.

Original Source: www.haaretz.com