Urich, Braverman free to contact, work with Netanyahu after release conditions end

Almost all restrictive release conditions on Jonatan Urich, a senior aide to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, are lifted and he will now be able to contact and work with prime minister after being barred from doing so for a year.

Urich is a key suspect in the Bild-leaked documents scandal and the Qatargate affair.

The decision by Rishon Lezion Magistrate’s Court to end the restrictions on Urich comes following an agreement between his attorneys and the police that was approved by the court today.

A ban on Urich leaving the country remains in place, and he is still barred from speaking about the investigations with Netanyahu or anyone else connected to the two cases.

Urich expresses joy upon the cancellation of his restrictions, posting excerpts from Jewish prayers in a post on X.

“We’re coming back in full force,” Urich writes enthusiastically. “Bibi, be available I’m on my way!!!”

Additionally, police decide not to appeal a decision by the same court to cancel the restriction on Tzachi Braverman — Netanyahu’s former chief of staff who is suspected of interfering in an investigation connected to the Bild-leaked documents affair — from contacting Netanyahu.

Braverman is, however, forbidden from discussing the case with the prime minister, or contacting anyone else involved in it.

The Rishon Lezion Magistrate’s Court ruled on Thursday against extending the restrictions, and the police decide today not to appeal the decision.

Braverman has been barred from contacting Netanyahu or going to the Prime Minister’s Office since January 11 this year when he was first arrested and questioned over the allegations that he said he could quash an investigation into the leaked documents affair.