Israeli Officer Arrested in Security Leaks Case
Israeli media reported that the Internal Security Service (Shabak) arrested a high-ranking officer from the Israeli army as part of an ongoing investigation into security leaks from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office. The officer was taken into custody while on leave, following the recent arrest of four individuals associated with the Prime Minister's Office. The Israeli court has since extended the detention of these defendants, emphasizing the seriousness of the case, which former National Security Council head Eyal Hulta described as 'the most dangerous case'.
Details of the Investigation
The main suspect in the security leaks case has been identified as Eli Feldstein, a former spokesman for Netanyahu. Reports indicate that Feldstein has been held in solitary confinement for a week, with his sister alleging that he has been denied access to legal counsel. Netanyahu has distanced himself from Feldstein, despite their close ties during the ongoing conflict in Gaza. The investigation has sparked outrage among families of prisoners in Gaza, who are pressing for negotiations to secure their return.
Leaked Documents and Political Ramifications
The scandal intensified when it was revealed that a senior adviser leaked classified documents to the British Jewish Chronicle and the German newspaper Bild. These documents, classified as 'top secret', were shared despite the adviser lacking the necessary security clearance. Israeli media has suggested that the leaked documents may have been used by Netanyahu to justify halting negotiations for a prisoner swap, further complicating the already tense situation. The court's decision to partially lift the publication ban has allowed for some details to emerge, indicating that the leaks may have compromised security sources and potentially hindered Israeli military operations.
