Efforts were allegedly made to block a sensitive security review involving Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, following a request by MK Naama Lazimi that he be questioned over “Qatargate” and recent reports published in Germany’s Bild, journalist Ben Caspit reported on Sunday.
Lazimi had sent a letter two days earlier to Shin Bet (Israel Security Agency) Director David Zini, transmitted via the Prime Minister’s Military Secretary’s Office in accordance with protocol. However, according to Caspit, the request appears to have been halted at that stage.
On Sunday morning, Lazimi reportedly received a response indicating the letter had never reached the Shin Bet director.
According to the explanation cited by Caspit, Zini was deemed to have a conflict of interest and therefore could not handle the matter.
Caspit harshly criticized the justification as “amateurish,” arguing it should not impede the agency’s ability to respond to the request. He questioned why other officials, such as those in the investigations division, could not take on the matter.
To circumvent the apparent roadblock, Lazimi has since directed a replacement letter to the Shin Bet’s investigations branch, bypassing the Prime Minister’s Office altogether. Caspit noted it remains to be seen whether another “creative” reason might be used to delay or prevent a review.
Allegations surround Qatari-linked influence and Bild reporting
The “Qatargate” case revolves around suspected influence by Qatari-linked individuals close to Netanyahu.
It is separate from the so-called “Bild affair” relating to reports in the German outlet. The Jerusalem Post has previously reported on intensified scrutiny of both tracks, as well as on the appointment of Shin Bet Director David Zini and recent leadership changes within the agency.