Joseph Isangura
Israeli police have arrested a senior aide to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, intensifying concerns over an alleged intelligence leak that may have obstructed sensitive negotiations related to the ongoing Gaza crisis.
The aide, Eliezer Feldstein, is accused of disclosing classified information to foreign media, a charge that could have significant implications for Israel’s national security and diplomatic engagements.
The arrest, which came after suspicions arose within Israeli security agencies, focuses on claims that Feldstein leaked details from Israeli military systems, possibly undermining efforts to negotiate the release of hostages held by Hamas in Gaza. Opposition leaders argue that this information might have been fabricated to thwart a ceasefire and a potential hostage release deal, suggesting the prime minister’s office manipulated intelligence to avoid diplomatic concessions.
Court documents indicate that the sensitive intelligence involved alleged plans by Hamas to move hostages across the Egyptian border, a scenario that would complicate Israel’s military strategy. Officials worry that such information, if compromised, could erode public confidence in the government’s handling of the Gaza conflict and impact Israel’s diplomatic standing.
Netanyahu’s office has denied any involvement, insisting that Feldstein was not privy to security discussions. “The claims of any leaks from our office are baseless, and the individual in question did not participate in security-related meetings,” a government spokesperson stated.
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This stance, however, has not quelled criticism. Opposition figures, including Benny Gantz and Yair Lapid, have criticized Netanyahu, asserting his direct accountability for any information released by his office. Lapid emphasized that the prime minister “is personally responsible for every document, word, or piece of information” from his office.
The incident adds to the existing strains between Netanyahu, the military, and intelligence circles, with critics noting the potential for political fallout if further details emerge. This leak scandal, which challenges the transparency of Netanyahu’s office, could lead to an intensified investigation, potentially implicating other figures within his administration.
