Netanyahu’s Spokesperson Arrested
A major crisis has hit the office of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Eliezer Feldstein, his spokesman, has been arrested and interrogated by the Shin Bet for leaking classified information. The information was distributed to two European media outlets, Bild and Jewish Chronicle, in an effort to shield Netanyahu from criticism while ceasefire talks in Gaza stalled.
Investigation Details
Initially, four people were arrested, including Feldstein; one of them has already been released. The name of the main suspect was released after the Rishon LeZion court lifted a restraining order. According to the judge, “There may have been damage to the ability of the security agencies to achieve their goal of freeing the hostages."
The investigation was prompted by a “significant suspicion in the Shin Bet and the IDF”, confirmed by press reports that indicated the illegal dissemination of classified and sensitive information. The judges highlighted the grave risk to national security and to intelligence sources.
The leaked documents fueled a story in the Jewish Chronicle that was later discredited and retracted. It suggested that Hamas had planned to smuggle the hostages out of Gaza through Egypt. Another story in Bild claimed that Hamas was prolonging the talks as a psychological strategy against Israel.
The articles appeared to validate Netanyahu’s demands during the negotiations and absolve him of responsibility for their failure. They came as the prime minister called for lasting Israeli control of the Philadelphia corridor, a demand he first made over the summer.
Political Consequences
The leak caused a scandal at the Jewish Chronicle, prompting prominent editorialists to resign in protest. Bild also defended its article, saying it “exposed Hamas' methods of exerting psychological pressure.”
In response to these revelations, Netanyahu initially denied any wrongdoing and dismissed the matter as a mere media incident. However, the situation continues to develop with potential repercussions for Israel’s national security and domestic politics.