From the archive
Netanyahu Aide Urich Implicated in Pro-Qatar Narrative Project
New correspondence suggests Netanyahu aide Jonatan Urich was aware of and involved in a project promoting pro-Qatar narratives, contradicting his prior…
New correspondences have reportedly surfaced, indicating Jonatan Urich's awareness of and involvement in a project described as Qatar's money-laundering scheme. The development contradicts Urich's previous assertions denying any knowledge or participation in the initiative. Urich, an aide to Benjamin Netanyahu, is now facing scrutiny regarding his prior statements. These newly revealed communications purportedly establish a direct link between Urich and the Qatari project, raising questions about the extent of his role and the veracity of his earlier denials. The project's nature and Urich's alleged involvement have become central to ongoing discussions.
Evidence of Involvement
Eli Feldstein reportedly briefed Jonatan Urich on the details of pro-Qatari press releases just hours before their publication, according to recent communications. This direct communication suggests a level of awareness on Urich's part that was previously denied. Feldstein messaged Urich, stating, "The Hasid (Einhorn) and I are doing something problematic today. Just so you know." Following the publication of an article, Feldstein sent Urich a link and asked, "Did you like it?" The article, published by Kan, was headlined: "Exclusive: The Biden administration asked Qatar that Haniyeh’s funeral be held in Qatar and not in Iran. Qatar agreed."
Feldstein later commented on the article's impact to Urich, saying, "This is my job, bro. It doesn’t come from nowhere. We made this move. We’ve been building it all day." This message further notes Feldstein's active role in shaping the narrative and suggests Urich was privy to these efforts. It was subsequently revealed that the Qatari source cited in the article and the source at the Israeli Prime Minister's Office were the same, strongly suggesting a coordinated effort behind the narrative and raising concerns about the impartiality of the information.
Context and Contradictions
Jonatan Urich previously stated he was unaware of Srulik Einhorn's work promoting pro-Qatari press releases. Urich also claimed he did not know that Eli Feldstein was involved in promoting these releases, according to reports. These assertions contrast sharply with recent communications indicating Urich's awareness and involvement in the project, specifically regarding the pro-Qatari narrative. The discrepancy between Urich's earlier denials and the emerging evidence forms a central point of contention, casting doubt on his previous statements. The nature of these new communications suggests a direct link to the pro-Qatari narrative project, raising questions about the accuracy of Urich's initial statements regarding his knowledge of Einhorn's and Feldstein's activities. The context provided by these conflicting accounts has drawn further scrutiny to Urich's role in the initiative, particularly concerning the alleged Qatar money-laundering project.
Internal Communications
Correspondence from August 1, 2024, regarding the drafting of pro-Qatari press releases after the killing of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh, suggests Jonatan Urich's awareness of the project. Eli Feldstein messaged Urich, stating, "The Hasid (Einhorn) and I are doing something problematic today. Just so you know." This message was sent just hours before the press releases were made public, directly contradicting Urich's claims of ignorance. Following the publication of an article by Kan, Feldstein sent businessman Gil Birger, who financed the project, a link to the piece, showing the financial backing behind the operation. Feldstein then asked Urich, "Did you like it?" The article detailed how the Biden administration reportedly asked Qatar to host Haniyeh's funeral instead of Iran, with Qatar agreeing. At Kan, journalists worked to cross-check information received from the Israeli Prime Minister's Office, approaching Qatari sources who confirmed the details, unaware that both sources were, in fact, the same. Feldstein later commented to Urich, "This is my job, bro. It doesn’t come from nowhere. We made this move. We’ve been building it all day," noting the deliberate nature of their efforts.