The Times of Israel Daily Briefing
Day 546 - Israeli flags fly in Budapest for PM's ICC-snubbing visit
Apr 4, 2025
Lazar Berman, a diplomatic reporter for The Times of Israel, discusses the ongoing Qatargate investigation involving two aides to Prime Minister Netanyahu and the implications of their alleged ties to Qatar. He shares insights into Netanyahu's recent visit to Budapest, highlighting the warm reception for the Israeli delegation and Hungary's announcement to leave the International Criminal Court. The conversation also touches on Hungary’s unique diplomatic stance within the EU, its populism, and the complexities of its relationships with Israel and historical issues.
39:02
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Quick takeaways
- The Qatargate investigation raises pressing concerns about press freedom and the treatment of journalists amid claims of external influence on media narratives.
- Netanyahu's diplomatic engagement in Hungary underscores a strategic alliance amid legal challenges, reflecting a trend of right-wing populism reshaping Europe’s political landscape.
Deep dives
Qatargate Investigation Developments
The ongoing Qatargate investigation reveals significant allegations against aides of Prime Minister Netanyahu, notably Eli Feldstein and Jonathan Urich, who are suspected of receiving payments from Qatar to influence media narratives. Recently, journalists like Tzvika Klein experienced intense scrutiny, being transformed from witnesses to suspects during police interrogations without proper explanation. These events raise serious concerns about the methods used by law enforcement against journalists, indicating a troubling precedent regarding press freedom. The responses from Qatar downplay the situation, claiming the allegations serve only to undermine diplomatic efforts, despite growing skepticism among critics about their motivations.
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