Full Breakdown
Protests Erupt Over Qatargate Scandal and Netanyahu's Leadership
12/28/2025, 5:48:19 AM
Anti-Government Protests in Tel Aviv
On a rainy Saturday night, thousands of Israelis gathered in Tel Aviv's Habima Square to protest against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and the ongoing Qatargate scandal. The protests were fueled by allegations that Netanyahu's aides engaged in corrupt activities involving Qatar, a key supporter of Hamas. Demonstrators expressed their outrage over the government's handling of the October 7, 2023, Hamas-led attack, which resulted in significant loss of life, including the families of some protesters.
During the event, Merav Svirsky, who lost her parents and brother in the October 7 attack, delivered a powerful speech accusing Netanyahu's aides of treason. She demanded the Prime Minister's resignation, stating, “The price of the treason is that we have lost so much life.” Former police chief Roni Alsheich also spoke, alleging that Netanyahu had facilitated Qatar's financial support to Hamas, claiming, “It wasn’t [Eli] Feldstein or [Jonatan] Urich who did this, but the prime minister.”
The Qatargate Scandal
The Qatargate scandal revolves around allegations that Netanyahu's aides, including Eli Feldstein and Jonatan Urich, were involved in a pro-Qatari lobbying campaign while in the Prime Minister's Office. Reports have surfaced suggesting that these aides received payments to promote Qatar's image during the ongoing conflict in Gaza. Former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett described the situation as “the most serious act of treason in Israeli history.”
The Likud Party, Netanyahu's political faction, has attempted to downplay the scandal, asserting that Feldstein was not a spokesperson for the Prime Minister and that the allegations against him are exaggerated. In a statement, Likud spokesperson Guy Levy emphasized that Netanyahu had consistently criticized Qatar's role in the conflict, despite claims to the contrary.
Criticism and Opposition
Critics of Netanyahu's government have voiced strong opposition to the handling of the October 7 attack and the subsequent Qatargate scandal. Many protesters are demanding a state commission of inquiry to investigate the failures that led to the attack. They argue that the government's attempts to establish a politically appointed inquiry are merely efforts to deflect blame.
Ayala Metzger, another speaker at the protests, condemned the government's actions, stating that the inquiry's purpose is to cover up the truth about the October 7 massacre. She emphasized the need for accountability, asserting that “darkness and evil are not only the domain of Hamas but are found deep within Israel.”
Official Statements and Responses
In response to the protests and allegations, Netanyahu's office has denied any wrongdoing, asserting that the funds received from Qatar were intended for humanitarian purposes rather than supporting Hamas's military activities. Netanyahu has defended his policies, stating that they were aimed at preventing a humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
Despite the government's denials, public sentiment appears to be shifting against Netanyahu, with increasing calls for accountability and transparency regarding the Qatargate scandal and the government's actions during the October 7 attack.
What's Next
As protests continue, the political landscape in Israel remains tense. Demonstrators are expected to maintain pressure on the government, demanding new elections and a thorough investigation into the allegations surrounding the Qatargate scandal. The outcome of these protests may significantly impact Netanyahu's leadership and the future of his administration.
