Reports say today’s 2 detainees in ‘Qatargate’ probe are suspected of contact with foreign agent

The two people questioned by police this evening as part of a probe into alleged Qatari payments to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s aides, known as “Qatargate,” were detained on suspicion of maintaining contact with a foreign agent and money laundering, according to Ynet.

Police detectives reportedly arrived at the suspects’ homes with search warrants at around 7 p.m. After searching their houses, investigators arrested both suspects, who were described by Channel 12 as “central figures” in the case.

The arrests came hours after the Kan public broadcaster aired recordings in which Gulf-based Israeli businessman Gil Birger admitted to transferring money from a Qatari employed lobbyist to Netanyahu aide Eli Feldstein.

A sweeping court-issued gag order in effect until April 10 bars the publication of most details regarding the investigation.