logo
The man who knows everything about Netanyahu: If Urich falls, everything comes crashing down

The man who knows everything about Netanyahu: If Urich falls, everything comes crashing down

Yahoo19-07-2025
Attorney-General Gali Baharav-Miara has recommended indicting Prime Minister Netanyahu's advisor, Yonatan Urich, for leaking information to a German newspaper.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Tuesday lashed out at Attorney-General Gali Baharav-Miara's decision to recommend charging his close advisor, Yonatan Urich, for the leak of sensitive documents to the German tabloid Bild.
"The decision to prosecute Urich is disastrous and raises questions,' Netanyahu said. 'A disgraceful statement from the attorney-general. I know the details, and I say, he did not harm national security."
Dozens of people have worked in Netanyahu's office over the cumulative 17 years he has served as prime minister. Advisors have come and gone. Some became state witnesses, including Nir Hefetz, Ari Harow, and Shlomo Filber (who signed as a state witness and later regretted it). Those who were not involved left the office in anger, but only a few left intact, without being indicted or harboring hard feelings.
But of all those who came and went, Netanyahu, a man devoid of emotion, who believed that everyone was born to serve him, truly loved and valued only two: Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer and Yonatan Urich.
'Urich and Dermer are like the sons Netanyahu wanted to have,' said a source who worked in the Prime Minister's Office for many years.
"He is a man who distrusts everyone and is paranoid that everyone wants to bring him down. But he trusts these two almost completely. They were exposed to nearly everything—they knew the secrets, the schemes, everything. Urich was aware of every political and media move. He was intimately familiar with every campaign, both official and unofficial, as well as every vendetta. Dermer is the de facto foreign minister, liaison to the US administration, and someone Netanyahu completely trusts on the most sensitive political and military matters."
But as the cliché goes, Netanyahu is like the sun: when you get too close, you burn.
Urich began working with Netanyahu in 2015. Yoav Ben-Tzur, who worked with Netanyahu at the time, convinced him to join after Topaz Luk, who knew Urich from their service in the IDF Spokesperson's Unit, recommended him. His skills quickly became apparent: a digital expert, Urich opened Netanyahu's eyes to the world of social networks. He charmed Netanyahu by giving him the ability to engage directly with the public on Facebook and later on Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok, without having to use the media, which Netanyahu despised, as an intermediary.
Urich is a very talented man: creative, sharp, and up-to-date. However, he is also unrestrained. He doesn't see limitations. He initiated and navigated harsh campaigns against political rivals, with no red lines. Ask Benny Gantz: he could write a series of books about the nightmare he went through, especially during election periods when he was a real threat to Netanyahu's rule; the prime minister's propaganda machine - with Urich playing a central role - attacked Gantz, even below the belt.
Yonatan Urich's involvement in Netanyahu's affairs
Urich's entanglement didn't begin yesterday, with the potential indictment for the leak to the Bild. It started much earlier. On February 11, 2025, the prosecution decided to indict Urich, Ofer Golan, and Srulik Einhorn for harassing Shlomo Filber, the state witness in Cases 1000, 2000, and 4000.
According to the indictment, in 2019, the three conspired to harass Filber regarding his testimony in Case 4000. They rented a car with a loudspeaker system and sent two of their people to Filber's home, where they were heard shouting things like: 'Momo, be a man, go and tell the truth! What did they do to you to get you to go against the prime minister? What did they promise you? The left is using you to bring down Likud!' and more.
This, as mentioned, was Urish's first noted involvement. The second came last night.
In a statement from the attorney-general's office, it was stated that 'the State Prosecutor's Office informed Yonatan Urich, the Prime Minister's close advisor, that the Attorney-General and State Prosecutor are considering indicting him for criminal charges, subject to a hearing, in the'Bild' case on the grounds of security violations, including leaking classified information with intent to harm national security, possessing classified information, and destroying evidence.'
'According to the allegations," continued the statement, "Urich, together with Eli Feldstein, took highly classified information from the IDF's systems that, if exposed by Urich, could have endangered national security and lives. The release of the classified information was intended, among other things, to influence public perception of the prime minister and skew the discourse regarding the murder of six hostages in August 2024.'
Minutes after the statement, Urich's attorneys, Amit Hadad and Noa Milstein, responded: 'Yonatan Urich denies all allegations against him. He never possessed or leaked classified information and certainly did not harm national security. This is an absurd set of allegations arriving at an inconvenient time, and his innocence will be proven beyond any doubt.'
However, the third, most severe case for Urich is still pending: the Qatargate case.
Urich is suspected of receiving payment from a Qatar-funded company to act from within the Prime Minister's Office in order to advance Qatar's interests, such as portraying it as a peace-seeking and dominant country, in contrast to Egypt.
According to a Haaretz exposé, Urich worked for the Qatari government prior to the World Cup to improve its image, which had been criticized internationally for being a dictatorial state.
This is the biggest criminal case against Urich, and Netanyahu has gone to great lengths to help him.
In a video released of Netanyahu, the prime minister is seen nearly exploding with rage, saying: "The police are conducting a political campaign against him. This is a political investigation, a political move. Other than that, there's nothing. They are trying to prevent the firing of the Shin Bet (Israel Security Agency) chief. The investigation is intended to bring down a right-wing prime minister."
Urich's detention has been extended repeatedly. He was interrogated multiple times, placed under house arrest, and then returned to detention. The investigation has been ongoing for months. Netanyahu is angry. Beyond his personal concern and the lack of media presence, Netanyahu knows something else: Urich knows everything. Urich had been close to him for years, and it was not a good idea to anger him.
To avoid angering him and to show him that he's not alone and that he has complete backing, senior staff from the PMO were sent to the detention extensions. Everyone showed up to ensure that Urich didn't become a state witness against the boss.
In April, Nir Hefetz, Netanyahu's former communications advisor, said: "Urich is the man who knows everything about Netanyahu. If this brick crumbles, the whole wall will collapse. Urich is a weak man, and Netanyahu knows exactly what he says to their mutual lawyer, Amit Hadad."
He added: "Qatargate is the reason for the acceleration of the judicial overhaul in recent weeks: firing Ronen Bar, the process of ousting the attorney-general, and changing the makeup of the committee for selecting judges. Netanyahu is trying to stop the Qatargate investigation, and he knows why."
And Urich? He remained silent. Recently released from house arrest, he occasionally tweeted, as usual, singing Netanyahu's praises. He remains loyal, an admirer. From time to time, he sends media advice to the office, which is now left without him, professionally abandoned.
So, what will happen to Urich after the second indictment, pending the hearing? The answer is: nothing. It doesn't bother Netanyahu. Urich is not a state employee; he is an independent contractor who submits invoices for his services. As long as Netanyahu remains in power, he will continue to employ him, regardless of whether there are two indictments or 10.
Law violations? Indictments? That hasn't bothered Netanyahu in years. The only thing that matters to him is that Urich stays close, doesn't speak against him, and most importantly, continues helping him. Because in the months he has been absent, anyone who understands communications within the office, in the surrounding environment, and in the system understands how crucial Urich was to the media activities in the most important office in the country.
Solve the daily Crossword
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Trump says he wants Netanyahu to ‘make sure they get the food' in Gaza amid humanitarian crisis
Trump says he wants Netanyahu to ‘make sure they get the food' in Gaza amid humanitarian crisis

Boston Globe

time24 minutes ago

  • Boston Globe

Trump says he wants Netanyahu to ‘make sure they get the food' in Gaza amid humanitarian crisis

Trump's comments seemed to result from the images in recent days of the worsening hunger crisis in Gaza and were more urgent than the resigned message he had about the 21-month Israel-Hamas war last week, when ceasefire talks derailed. His remarks Monday also marked a new divergence from Netanyahu after the two leaders had become closer following their nations' join strikes in Iran. Get Starting Point A guide through the most important stories of the morning, delivered Monday through Friday. Enter Email Sign Up The US president was asked if he agreed with Netanyahu's comments on Sunday in which the Israeli leader said, 'There is no policy of starvation in Gaza and there is no starvation in Gaza.' Advertisement 'I don't know,' Trump replied Monday. 'I mean, based on television, I would say not particularly because those children look very hungry.' Trump says US will set up food centers in Gaza In the face of mounting international criticism, the Israeli military over the weekend began airdrops of aid, along with limited pauses in fighting in three populated areas of Gaza for 10 hours a day to help with the distribution. Trump on Friday had expressed some resignation about the situation in Gaza after the US and Israel pulled their negotiating teams out of talks in Qatar to try to reach a ceasefire. Trump said last week that Hamas was likely 'going to be hunted down' and said of Israel, 'They're going to have to fight and they're going to have to clean it up.' Advertisement But Trump seemed more inclined to action on Monday after reports of starvation-related deaths and images of people, especially young children and infants, struggling to get food continued to emerge over the weekend, drew international outcry. The US president, speaking as he visited with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer at his Trump's Turnberry golf course, said that the US was 'going to set up food centers,' but he didn't offer specifics. The White House did not immediately have more information about the food centers. International outcry grows louder While Trump urged Netanyahu to do more to deliver aid, the US leader faced similar pleas. Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sissi said in a televised address on Monday that Trump is 'the one who is able to stop the war, deliver the aid and end this suffering.' 'Please, make every effort to stop this war and deliver the aid,' el-Sissi said, addressing Trump in his remarks 'I believe that it's time to end this war.' Trump said Hamas has stolen food and aid trying to reach people in Gaza, but when asked by a reporter about what responsibility Israel has for limiting aid to the area, he said, 'Israel has a lot of responsibility.' But he quickly said Israel was also hampered in its actions as it seeks to keep the remaining 20 hostages kept in Gaza alive. Advertisement When asked by what more can Israel do, Trump said, 'I think Israel can do a lot.' But he didn't offer more details and changed the subject to Iran. 'We have to help on a humanitarian basis before we do anything. We have to get the kids fed.' Starmer was more adamant than Trump, calling it 'a desperate situation' in Gaza. 'I think people in Britain are revolted at seeing what they are seeing on their screens,' he said. US and UK leaders discuss Gaza as UN discusses Israel-Palestinian two-state solution Starmer, who faces pressure from his Labour Party to recognize a Palestinian state as France did last week, said the U.K. supports statehood for the Palestinians but it must be part of a plan for a two-state solution. Trump said last week that France's recognition of a Palestinian state 'doesn't carry any weight.' 'I'm not going to take a position,' Trump said Monday of recognizing a Palestinian state. He added of Starmer, 'I don't mind him taking a position.' The comments came as the U.N. General Assembly on Monday brought together high-level officials to promote a two-state solution to the decades-old Israel-Palestinian conflict. Israel and the US are boycotting the two-day meeting. ___ Associated Press writers Will Weissert in Edinburgh, Scotland and Tia Goldenberg in Tel Aviv, Israel contributed to this report.

Trump says he wants Netanyahu to ‘make sure they get the food' in Gaza amid humanitarian crisis
Trump says he wants Netanyahu to ‘make sure they get the food' in Gaza amid humanitarian crisis

Hamilton Spectator

timean hour ago

  • Hamilton Spectator

Trump says he wants Netanyahu to ‘make sure they get the food' in Gaza amid humanitarian crisis

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump on Monday expressed concern over the worsening humanitarian situation in Gaza and urged Israel to get people food, seemingly recalibrating his stance on Gaza as images of emaciated children have sparked renewed worries about hunger in the war-torn territory. Trump, speaking in Scotland on Monday, said the U.S. and other nations are giving money and food to Gaza but that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has 'got to sort of like run it.' 'I want him to make sure they get the food,' Trump said. 'I want to make sure they get the food.' Trump's comments seemed to result from the images in recent days of the worsening hunger crisis in Gaza and were more urgent than the resigned message he had about the 21-month Israel-Hamas war last week, when ceasefire talks derailed. His remarks Monday also marked a new divergence from Netanyahu after the two leaders had become closer following their nations' join strikes in Iran. The U.S. president was asked if he agreed with Netanyahu's comments on Sunday in which the Israeli leader said, 'There is no policy of starvation in Gaza and there is no starvation in Gaza.' 'I don't know,' Trump replied Monday. 'I mean, based on television, I would say not particularly because those children look very hungry.' In the face of mounting international criticism, the Israeli military over the weekend began airdrops of aid, along with limited pauses in fighting in three populated areas of Gaza for 10 hours a day to help with the distribution. Trump on Friday had expressed some resignation about the situation in Gaza after the U.S. and Israel pulled their negotiating teams out of talks in Qatar to try to reach a ceasefire. Trump said last week that Hamas was likely 'going to be hunted down' and said of Israel, 'They're going to have to fight and they're going to have to clean it up.' But Trump seemed more inclined to action on Monday after reports of starvation-related deaths and images of people, especially young children and infants, struggling to get food continued to emerge over the weekend, drew international outcry. The U.S. president, speaking as he visited with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer at his Trump's Turnberry golf course, said that the U.S. was 'going to set up food centers,' but he didn't offer specifics. The White House did not immediately have more information about the food centers. Trump said Hamas has stolen food and aid trying to reach people in Gaza, but when asked by a reporter about what responsibility Israel has for limiting aid to the area, he said, 'Israel has a lot of responsibility.' But he quickly said Israel was also hampered in its actions as it seeks to keep the remaining 20 hostages kept in Gaza alive. When asked by what more can Israel do, Trump said, 'I think Israel can do a lot.' But he didn't offer more details and changed the subject to Iran. 'We have to help on a humanitarian basis before we do anything. We have to get the kids fed.' Starmer was more adamant than Trump, calling it 'a desperate situation' in Gaza. 'I think people in Britain are revolted at seeing what they are seeing on their screens,' he said. Starmer, who faces pressure from his Labour Party to recognize a Palestinian state as France did last week, said the U.K. supports statehood for the Palestinians but it must be part of a plan for a two-state solution. Trump said last week that France's recognition of a Palestinian state 'doesn't carry any weight.' 'I'm not going to take a position,' Trump said Monday of recognizing a Palestinian state. He added of Starmer, 'I don't mind him taking a position.' The comments came as the U.N. General Assembly on Monday brought together high-level officials to promote a two-state solution to the decades-old Israel-Palestinian conflict. Israel and the U.S. are boycotting the two-day meeting. Error! Sorry, there was an error processing your request. There was a problem with the recaptcha. Please try again. You may unsubscribe at any time. By signing up, you agree to our terms of use and privacy policy . This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google privacy policy and terms of service apply. Want more of the latest from us? Sign up for more at our newsletter page .

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store