JERUSALEM, April 1 (Xinhua) -- Two close associates of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu were remanded on Tuesday, a day after being arrested over an investigation dubbed "Qatar-Gate," which centers on their suspected unlawful ties with Qatar.
Yonatan Urich, a senior advisor to Netanyahu, and Eli Feldstein, the prime minister's former military affairs spokesman, were arrested Monday on suspicion of contact with a foreign agent, money laundering, bribery, fraud, and breach of trust.
The probe focuses on suspected improper business dealings between the two and Qatar, a Gulf state that does not have formal diplomatic ties with Israel but has played a key role in mediating talks for the ceasefire in the Gaza Strip and the release of Israeli hostages.
A magistrate's court judge extended the detention of the two until Thursday, citing a "reasonable suspicion" that their release could obstruct the investigation.
The judge said that in his decision, there is already "reasonable suspicion" to believe that a U.S.-based company called The Third Circle, owned by Jay Footlik, once a special assistant to former U.S. President Bill Clinton, made direct and indirect contact with Feldstein to promote Qatar's image in the context of the Gaza ceasefire negotiations.
According to the court, a "business and financial connection" was allegedly formed between the company -- via Feldstein -- and another suspect, whose identity is under a gagging order. The payment was allegedly transferred from the company to Urich through an intermediary businessman.
Investigators believe the suspects sought to promote an influence campaign by making favorable media coverage of Qatar while downplaying the role of Egypt, another regional mediator.
Hours following the arrest of Urich and Feldstein on Monday, Netanyahu testified for about two hours before investigators at his office in Jerusalem.
According to Israel's Channel 12 News, Netanyahu was questioned as someone with knowledge of the affair rather than as a suspect. The open testimony followed a directive of Israel's Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara.
In his video statement after the testimony, Netanyahu said the probe is "a political hunt designed to prevent the dismissal of the head of the Shin Bet (domestic security agency) and also to bring about the overthrow of a right-wing prime minister." ■
