Judge Menahem Mizrahi ruled police must return phones seized from Netanyahu aide Yonatan Urich in the ongoing “Qatargate” investigation.
Rishon Lezion Magistrate’s Court Judge Menahem Mizrahi ordered Israel Police to return to “Qatargate” suspect Yonatan Urich the cell phones belonging to him that authorities are holding in the context of the investigation into Qatari influences over figures close to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Police were expected to appeal the decision to the Lod District Court.
At a hearing on the matter on Sunday, investigators informed the court that “extraction and hacking failed for two, while the model of the third is impenetrable.” Police had asked for a 180-day extension on the seizure of the devices.
Asked by Mizrahi why police still required possession over the phones if they aren’t penetrable, police representatives responded that its hacking software is being updated, and that other impenetrable devices cracked open in the past, once the software had been updated.
Mizrahi denied the police’s request to keep the phones, calling the decision, “The easiest one I’ve ever made,” and added, scathingly, that he had informed state representatives that he wouldn’t consider a request without confidential evidentiary backing, which was the format of the Sunday request.
The Sunday hearing followed a request by Israel Police last month to extend the seizure of the devices.
Yonatan Urich who was arrested in the so-called Qatargate investigation arrives for a court hearing the court in Lod, August 19, 2025. (credit: Jonathan Shaul/Flash90)
The “Qatargate” affair centers on claims that Urich, an aide to Netanyahu, and El Feldstein, the former military spokesman for the Prime Minister’s Office, promoted Qatar’s interests during their tenure in the PMO. Per reports, Feldstein received payments from an Israeli businessman who acted as an intermediary between Qatar and Israel. Feldstein’s attorneys have stated that the funds were for strategic and communication services provided to Netanyahu’s office, and that Feldstein was unaware of any direct connection to Qatar.
Concerns about conflicts of interest
Both Feldstein and Urich were detained and questioned by authorities in March. Investigations revealed that a company working on behalf of Qatar had contacted Urich to enhance Qatar’s image, particularly regarding hostage negotiations – as Qatar is a mediator between Israel and Hamas – and subsequently made payments to Feldstein. The suspects are facing charges related to contact with a foreign agent, money laundering, and breach of trust
The investigation has raised significant concerns about conflicts of interest and the integrity of public office, particularly regarding transparency in financial dealings and the influence of foreign entities on Israeli domestic affairs.
Feldstein and Urich were arrested and later released to house arrest under restrictive conditions. Recently, the Lod District Court overturned the decision of the Magistrate’s Court, ruling that Urich must remain barred from working with Netanyahu under the restrictive conditions imposed on him. Another suspect is Netanyahu’s former advisor, Israel Einhorn.