Leaks aimed to blame Sinwar for impeding captives deal: Israeli media
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Israeli media confirms that the Netanyahu document leak aimed to "influence public opinion" on captive return negotiations and protests.
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Settlers shout slogans during a protest against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government and call for the release of captives held in the Gaza Strip, in Tel Aviv, occupied Palestine, on November 16, 2024. (AP)
Israeli media confirmed on Sunday evening that the leak of documents from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office was meant to "undermine public opinion in Israel" concerning negotiations and protests demanding the return of captives held by the Resistance in the Gaza Strip. The reports revealed that the leak was orchestrated by a Netanyahu advisor in collaboration with Israeli army soldiers.
According to Israeli media, during an investigation with the primary suspect, Eli Feldstein, it was revealed that he "leaked the document around the time of the killing of the six prisoners" to implicate the head of Hamas' political bureau, the martyr Yahya Sinwar. The leaked document aimed to accuse Sinwar of rejecting proposals to reach a deal and of using the families' protests to strengthen his political position.
The issue of Netanyahu's leaked secret documents has sparked a political uproar in the occupation entity and angered the families of Israeli captives. Four individuals are suspected of involvement, all reportedly serving in a secret unit tasked with preventing leaks and safeguarding security secrets, including one of Netanyahu's assistants.
The Israeli channel reported earlier that the leak "endangered the return of Israeli prisoners and the lives of soldiers," citing a source familiar with the investigation.
Shin Bet, police oppose release of main suspect in security leaks case
The Israeli police and the Shin Bet security service filed an appeal on Friday against a court decision to release the main suspect and place him under house arrest, according to the Israeli Broadcasting Corporation KAN.
KAN reported that Feldstein, who worked with Netanyahu, was to be placed under house arrest on Friday, almost three weeks after his arrest based on a ruling by the Magistrates Court in Rishon Lezion.
The case sent shockwaves into the Israeli political arena after one of Netanyahu's assistants was suspected to have leaked classified documents about Gaza, angering the families of Israeli captives.
Netanyahu denies any wrongdoing by his office staff, stating earlier this month that he only learned of the leaked documents through the media.
![In a 2021 interview with Frontline by former US special representative James Jeffrey, he says he had "engaged with [HTS] via backchannels while serving in President Trump’s State Department. (Al Mayadeen English; Illustrated by Batoul Chamas)](https://alpha-en-media.almayadeen.net/media/image/2024/12/21/b4a69f2e-8682-43e4-9d37-49482b304ab3/3.png?v=2&format=webp "In a 2021 interview with Frontline by former US special representative James Jeffrey, he says he had \"engaged with [HTS] via backchannels while serving in President Trump’s State Department. (Al Mayadeen English; Illustrated by Batoul Chamas)")
