Energy Mininster Eli Cohen says he was approached by pro-Qatar lobbyist Footlik, refused to meet with him

Amid the emerging probe into the so-called Qatargate scandal, Energy Minister Eli Cohen confirms a report that pro-Qatar US lobbyist Jay Footlik approached him to ask that he promote a Qatari proposal for a ceasefire and hostage release deal between Israel and Hamas.

According to the i24 News report, Footlik’s efforts were stopped in their tracks after Cohen discovered that he had ties to Qatar beyond supporting its attempt to broker a deal.

Confirming the report, Cohen says he was introduced to Footlik several months ago by Ariel Shapir, an employee of Perception Media. He says he refused to meet with him after discovering his connection to Qatar.

Perception is a public relations firm owned by Qatargate suspects Jonatan Urich and Yisrael Einhorn. Eli Feldstein, a key suspect along with Urich, is also reported to have worked for the firm in the past.