A recent Supreme Court transcript has unveiled allegations suggesting Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was aware of plans by his aide, Eli Feldstein, to leak a highly Classified document to international media. The claims emerged during a December 5 court session, with records made public by the Ynet news site.
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Details of the Court Hearing
During the hearing, Feldstein’s lawyer, Oded Savoray, argued for his client’s release to house arrest. Savoray claimed Feldstein acted under Netanyahu’s directives regarding an inquiry into security leaks. Savoray stated that Feldstein did not fully comprehend the classified nature of the document he shared or the risks it posed to its source.
Supreme Court Justice Alex Stein upheld a lower court’s decision to release Feldstein to house arrest, citing no further security risk. However, co-accused Ari Rosenfeld, a reservist in the IDF Military Intelligence Directorate, remained in custody due to his broader access to classified information.
The Document at the Heart of the Scandal
The leaked document, reportedly outlining Hamas’s strategies for hostage negotiations, was allegedly removed from the IDF’s intelligence archive and handed to the German publication Bild. Prosecutors claim the leak aimed to bolster public opinion in Netanyahu’s favor during hostage negotiations following Hamas’s killing of six captives in August.
Alleged Involvement of Netanyahu’s Office
Savoray argued that Feldstein had informed Netanyahu of his intent to leak the document during a September briefing. This alleged interaction aimed to support Netanyahu’s statements on Hamas’s tactics and deflect blame for the hostage crisis. Additionally, Savoray claimed Jonatan Urich, a senior adviser to Netanyahu, played a direct role in oordinating the leak with Feldstein.
Prosecutors have not charged Urich, a decision Savoray strongly criticized, asserting that Urich and Feldstein collaborated closely to ensure the document reached Bild.
Netanyahu’s Denial
Netanyahu has denied any involvement or prior knowledge of the document’s leak. Despite the allegations, he remains uninvolved in the legal proceedings and is not listed as a suspect.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of the leaked document?
The document allegedly contains Hamas’s priorities and tactics for hostage negotiations, making it a critical piece of classified intelligence.
Why is Feldstein accused in this case?
Feldstein is accused of leaking the document to the media to influence public opinion in Netanyahu’s favor during a sensitive hostage crisis.
How does this affect Netanyahu’s position?
While Netanyahu denies involvement, the allegations could raise questions about the conduct within his office and his awareness of the leak.
What is Tri RRosenfeld’s role in this case?
Rosenfeld, a reservist with access to classified information, is accused of playing a role in obtaining the document from the IDF’s intelligence archive.
Why hasn’t Jonatan Urich been charged?
Prosecutors have not explained why Urich remains uncharged despite allegations of his direct involvement in the leak.
Conclusion
The revelations surrounding Eli Feldstein, Ari Rosenfeld, and Prime Minister Netanyahu’s office shed light on a complex case of leaked classified information. While Netanyahu denies any wrongdoing, the controversy underscores the sensitive intersection of politics, media, and national security. As the legal proceedings continue, questions linger about accountability and the ethical standards within Israel’s leadership.