Investigation into Document Leaks from Prime Minister's Office
The ongoing investigation into the theft of classified documents from the Prime Minister's Office has escalated, with Prime Minister's advisor Yonatan Urich demanding an inquiry into serious leaks related to his investigation. Urich's legal team submitted an urgent request to Superintendent Boaz Blatt of the Israel Police's Investigations and Intelligence Division, highlighting that sensitive details were leaked to the media before the investigation concluded. The lawyers, Amit Haddad and Noa Milstein, expressed concerns over the integrity of the investigation, stating that despite assurances of confidentiality, information was disclosed prematurely.
On November 19, a leaked correspondence allegedly between Urich and Eli Feldstein raised questions about the handling of classified documents. The correspondence suggested Urich sought to identify the source of a leak to a third party, referred to as 'Hosid.' Notably, this correspondence was not presented to Urich during his initial interrogation, raising further questions about the investigation's conduct. The lawyers criticized the situation, stating, "The absurd reality in which you are required to investigate leaks, and at the same time, classified details are leaked from the investigation is extremely serious."
Eli Feldstein's Detention and Investigation
In a related development, Eli Feldstein, the Prime Minister's spokesman, has been detained and is currently under suicide watch following a concerning incident in his cell. Feldstein was moved to a segregation cell after prison guards found a cut rubber band, which raised suspicions about his mental state. He has been in custody since being interrogated for over 18 days at a Shin Bet facility, where he was reportedly denied access to legal counsel.
Feldstein is facing allegations of leaking classified documents to the German newspaper Bild, with an indictment expected to be filed soon. The Prime Minister's Office has confirmed that Feldstein is no longer employed there. This case is part of a broader investigation involving multiple suspects, including an employee from the Prime Minister's office, who were exposed to classified information improperly.
Broader Implications and Connections
The investigation into the classified documents is not isolated, as it overlaps with another case involving Tzachi Braverman, a secretary in the Prime Minister's office, who is suspected of blackmailing an IDF officer to access sensitive protocols. While the connection between these cases remains unclear, sources suggest that there may be links that could be revealed once the gag orders on the investigations are lifted. As the situation develops, the implications for national security and the integrity of the Prime Minister's office remain significant.
