Netanyahu accused of scapegoating aide in Gaza documents leak
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The leaked documents reportedly suggested Hamas intended to smuggle Israeli captives to Egypt and later to Iran or Yemen, thus providing support and justification to Netanyahu's hardline stance on the negotiations.
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Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu attends a press conference at the Government Press office in occupied al-Quds, on Wednesday, September 4, 2024. (AP)
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is facing accusations of knowing about and facilitating the leak of classified security documents, a claim made by the lawyer representing Eli Feldstein, a former spokesperson for Netanyahu's security office.
Feldstein, who worked closely with Netanyahu over the past year, was charged last month with transferring classified information with intent to harm "Israel's" security, illicit possession of classified information, and obstruction of justice.
Scapegoat scandal
The documents, which are fabricated Hamas military strategy files, were leaked to the German newspaper Bild and the UK's Jewish Chronicle in September, during negotiations for a Gaza ceasefire deal that ultimately failed.
The leaked documents reportedly suggested Hamas intended to smuggle Israeli captives to Egypt and later to Iran or Yemen, thus providing support and justification to Netanyahu's uncompromising stance on the negotiations.
Read more: Ben-Gvir says Netanyahu 'showing openness' to Gaza residents expulsion
Feldstein's lawyer, Oded Savoray, accused Netanyahu of "shirking responsibility for an event he caused," adding that the prime minister knew about the documents and their planned release before they were leaked.
"There was a stage in the investigation where [Feldstein] decided to stop taking the fall for the Prime Minister and his office," Savoray told the Kan channel.
Political target
Feldstein maintains that he informed Netanyahu about the document two days before leaking it to Bild. However, Netanyahu has denied these claims, stating he only learned about the classified document from media reports.
The prime minister has not been charged in connection with the case, and his supporters argue that the prosecution's actions are part of a politically motivated campaign against him.
The charges against Feldstein include accusations of manipulating the sensitive military documents to influence public opinion and reduce pressure on Netanyahu to make concessions in exchange for the release of Israeli captives held in Gaza.
Read more: ICC reports coercion, threats over Netanyahu, Gallant arrest warrants
