Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu testified in the “Katargate” investigation. It was noted that Netanyahu was called as a witness, not as a suspect. Two advisors of the Israeli Prime Minister were also detained.

In the investigation dubbed the “Katargate Scandal” in Israeli public opinion, two individuals were taken into custody.

According to Israeli media, the detained individuals were announced to be Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu’s advisors Yonatan Urich and Eli Feldstein.

Netanyahu’s party Likud confirmed that one of them was the head advisor. The Israeli Prime Minister also gave his testimony within the scope of the investigation following the detentions.

NETANYAHU TESTIFIES AS A WITNESS
Netanyahu was before the judge in the corruption case he was being tried for. He left the court to testify about the “Katargate” investigation.

Israeli media announced that the Prime Minister was not a suspect and testified as a witness. Netanyahu’s testimony was taken at the Prime Ministry.

DESCRIBED AS A “POLITICAL WITCH HUNT”

The Israeli Prime Minister described the investigation as a “political witch hunt.” He also used the expression “hostage-taking” regarding the detention of his advisors.

According to Israeli media, a newspaper journalist from a prominent media organization in the country was also called to testify.

ALSO ASSOCIATED WITH A SECRET DOCUMENT SCANDAL

One of the detained advisors, Eli Feldstein, had been arrested last year on charges of leaking secret documents and put under house arrest. Feldstein is accused of leaking confidential information related to hostage negotiations in Gaza.

DISMISSAL OF SVU DIRECTOR
The “Katargate” investigation is being conducted by the Israeli domestic intelligence service Shin Bet. Netanyahu dismissed Shin Bet’s Director Ronen Bar two weeks ago.

The government unanimously supported Netanyahu’s decision, but the High Court suspended the execution.

Bar is still in his position. The Court will hear Bar’s appeal on April 8th.

However, Netanyahu did not wait for the court’s decision and appointed a new Shin Bet director. The Israeli Prime Minister nominated former Navy Commander Eli Sharvit to head the domestic intelligence.

ACCUSED OF RECEIVING MONEY FROM QATAR

According to the Israeli press, Netanyahu’s advisors are accused of receiving money from Qatar.

Shin Bet Chief Ronen Bar claims that the investigation will shed light on the events that led to Hamas’ attack on October 7th.

Netanyahu alleges that he was removed from office to obstruct the investigation.