During the war: Netanyahu's advisor asked ChatGPT how to whitewash Qatar's image

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's advisor Yonatan Urich, a figure in the 'Qatargate' affair, turned to ChatGPT in September 2024 to request a strategy for improving Qatar's image. Channel 12 published fragments of Urich's interrogation, where the investigator presented his correspondence with the chatbot. Urich did not deny the requests but claimed he did not use them. The publication sparked sharp criticism from the opposition and hostage families.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's advisor Yonatan Urich, who is implicated in the 'Qatargate' affair, turned to ChatGPT in September 2024, already during the war, to request a strategy for improving Qatar's image. Channel 12 on the evening of October 12 published fragments of Urich's interrogation, where the investigator presented his correspondence with the chatbot. In the request, Urich asked for ideas to improve the image of the prime minister and the emir of Qatar, as well as three main messages for Israeli citizens, Jewish communities, and opinion leaders in the US. Urich did not deny the fact of the requests but claimed he did not remember them and did not use the results. He also ironically added that he asked ChatGPT where to urinate in a public restroom. The publication sparked sharp criticism from the opposition. Leader of the 'Yashar' party Gadi Eisenkot called Urich a 'Qatari agent' in the prime minister's office. Avigdor Lieberman called for an investigation on suspicion of treason. Hostage families also expressed outrage. The article explains the essence of the 'Qatargate' affair: suspicions of receiving money from Qatar in exchange for PR services and promoting its interests, including after October 7, 2023.