Detention of PM’s aides extended by 24 hours; Jerusalem Post editor released from house arrest; people close to him say he never received benefits from Qatar

The Rishon LeZion Magistrate’s Court agrees to extend the remand of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s aides Jonatan Urich and Eli Feldstein by an additional 24 hours, rejecting a police request to extend it by seven days.

Police detained Urich and Feldstein for questioning on Monday. They suspect both of having taken money to spread pro-Qatari messaging to reporters, to boost the Gulf state’s image as a mediator in hostage talks between Israel and Hamas, while in the prime minister’s employ.

At the same time, Hebrew media outlets report that Jerusalem Post Editor-in-Chief Zvika Klein has been released from house arrest without any further restrictions imposed on him at this time.

After the attorney general and the state attorney issued a statement saying Klein was questioned under caution due to comments he made ostensibly linking him to efforts to promote Qatar’s image in Israel in return for “benefit,” people close to Klein are quoted in Hebrew media saying he “never received benefits or anything else from Qatar or any of its representatives” and that he visited Qatar solely as a journalist. “That’s what he was questioned over, in contrast to the illegal leaks from the investigation rooms.”

Rejecting the attorney general’s statement, those close to Klein say, “He was not part of any mechanism,” and stress his professionalism, the esteem in which he is held, and the awards he has won, especially for Diaspora coverage. “All his activities were solely within the framework of the law and journalistic confidentiality, as anchored in definitive Supreme Court rulings over many years.”