Overview

• Yonatan Urich and Eli Feldstein, aides to Prime Minister Netanyahu, remain in custody after an Israeli court extended their detention as part of the 'Qatargate' investigation.
• The investigation alleges that the two aides received payments from Qatar to promote its interests in Israel, including its role as a mediator in Gaza truce and hostage negotiations.
• Netanyahu has been questioned but is not a suspect; he has strongly denied any involvement, framing the investigation as a 'political witch hunt.'
• The Shin Bet security agency's role in the probe has heightened tensions with Netanyahu, who has sought to dismiss its chief, Ronen Bar.
• The scandal has intensified public protests and scrutiny of Netanyahu's leadership, amid broader political and security crises in Israel, including conflict in Gaza and judicial reform controversies.