Israeli authorities are currently conducting an investigation into a civilian employee who has been working in the office of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for the past year. This individual is suspected of unlawfully acquiring and leaking classified documents to the media. These leaked documents reportedly assisted in justifying Mr. Netanyahu’s stringent conditions regarding a cease-fire agreement with Hamas during the summer months, amidst significant public pressure to secure a deal that would facilitate the release of Israeli hostages and bring an end to the ongoing conflict in Gaza.
The situation has created considerable turmoil within Israel, where critics have accused Mr. Netanyahu of undermining efforts to secure the return of the hostages and of extending the war in Gaza for his political advantage. Prominent members of his governing coalition have even threatened to resign if he were to make any concessions to Hamas.
On Sunday, an Israeli court took the significant step of partially lifting a gag order, revealing the name of Eliezer Feldstein, who was hired last year as a spokesperson in Mr. Netanyahu’s office, as a suspect in this troubling case. Additionally, three other individuals implicated in the investigation are associated with the military and security sectors but have not yet been publicly identified.
The investigation has focused on the publication and possible manipulation of both genuine and fabricated intelligence information disseminated through international media outlets. Reports from Israeli news sources, along with information from an Israeli official who requested anonymity due to the sensitivity of the case, suggest that the investigation is delving into how such information was used. Notably, the London-based Jewish Chronicle published a report—and subsequently retracted it—claiming that Hamas was preparing to smuggle Israeli hostages from Gaza to Egypt. Furthermore, a classified document leaked to the German newspaper Bild alleged that Hamas was attempting to sway public opinion in Israel and prolong the negotiations.
What Led to This Investigation?
The investigation was sparked on September 1, when the Israeli military announced the tragic discovery of six Israeli hostages who had been found deceased in a tunnel in Gaza, reportedly shot by their captors. This announcement ignited widespread protests and a wave of national outrage and grief across the nation.
