A startling revelation has emerged from Israel, renowned for its robust intelligence network. A close aide to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has been identified as the primary suspect in leaking confidential security documents from the Prime Minister's office.
Israeli police have reportedly detained Eliezer Feldstein, a top advisor to Netanyahu, for allegedly leaking sensitive information to foreign media. This intelligence breach is currently being investigated by an Israeli court as the documents were part of a strategic plan to thwart a deal related to hostages.
Investigation Ongoing on Netanyahu's Close Associate
This leak is regarded as one of the most severe security violations in the nation's history. The Jerusalem Post reports that investigations are underway involving four individuals, including Eliezer Feldstein. He is a close ally of Netanyahu and worked for him in an unofficial capacity.
The court remarked that the document leak had caused 'serious damage to national security and concern over the risk to information sources.' This could have potentially undermined the security forces' ability to achieve their goal of freeing hostages.
Who is Eliezer Feldstein?
According to The Jerusalem Post, Feldstein was appointed by the Prime Minister's media team shortly after the war began. Although his position was not clearly defined, sources indicate he served as a spokesperson for the IDF and later for National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir.
Netanyahu's office clarified that Feldstein did not officially work for the Israeli PMO as he had not cleared the Shin Bet security vetting process. Following these developments, opposition leader MK Yair Lapid commented that Netanyahu was either involved in leaking classified information to derail a deal related to hostages or he is utterly incapable of leading the country.
Opposition Raises Allegations
The secret documents were leaked at a time when Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu faced allegations of repeatedly halting a deal concerning hostages to prevent his coalition government from collapsing. Many believed Netanyahu aimed to remain in power, viewing this as the best means to avoid prosecution on charges of fraud, bribery, and breach of trust filed in 2019.
