Netanyahu office investigation into leak leads to several arrested
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Israeli officials close to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu are being arrested as suspects in a probe into leaked documents as "Israel" is hit with a new internal crisis.
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Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, center, flanked by Security Minister Yoav Gallant, second from left, attends at the opening of the 25th Knesset session, October 28, 2024 (AP)
The office of Israeli occupation Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu released Friday a statement refuting claims of any staff members being arrested in connection with an ongoing investigation by the Shin Bet, Israeli occupation forces (IOF), and the Israeli police into the leak of classified intelligence, Israeli media reported.
The announcement comes after a Rishon Lezion court judge partially lifted a gag order on the case, confirming that several suspects have been detained, though none were identified as Netanyahu's aides.
According to Judge Menachem Mizrahi, authorities commenced the "open phase" of their joint investigation this past week, targeting a potential breach of "national security" due to the leaked information.
Mizrahi highlighted the severity of the suspected leak, stating it potentially jeopardized "Israel's" war efforts. While details remain restricted, the judge noted, "Several suspects were arrested for questioning, and the investigation is ongoing."
In September, the IOF began investigating the leak of sensitive documents to international media outlets, including the German newspaper Bild and the British publication The Jewish Chronicle.
These documents, which reportedly originated from Hamas, included claims suggesting that the Resistance movement aimed to deepen divisions within Israeli society and was not actively seeking a quick resolution to the ongoing war.
Notably, these claims closely echoed statements made by Netanyahu in interviews and press conferences around the same period.
The Jewish Chronicle later withdrew a series of articles based on the documents and ended its collaboration with the author amid significant concerns about the authenticity of his reporting.
According to the IOF, the document cited by Bild was discovered in Gaza months prior and was not authored by martyred Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar but rather appeared to be a strategic paper drawn up by a mid-level Hamas official.
Opposition chastizes Netanyahu
The news has stirred significant political response, with Opposition Leader Yair Lapid condemning Netanyahu's attempt to deflect responsibility.
In a social media post, Lapid remarked, "Netanyahu is already trying, as usual, to distance himself from the affair and to place responsibility on others, but the facts show the opposite: he is personally responsible for every paper, word, or piece of information that comes out of his office."
"The danger from within and at the most sensitive decision-making centers shakes the foundations of the confidence of the citizens of Israel," he stressed.
Echoing Lapid's sentiment, National Unity party Chairman Benny Gantz emphasized that the Prime Minister ultimately bears accountability for all matters within his office.
Gantz commented, "Without going into the details of the case... it is important to emphasize one thing: the Prime Minister is the one responsible for what is done in his office. For better or for worse."
Netanyahu's office countered these claims, asserting that no classified information had leaked from his staff.
In a pointed response, the office claimed, "There were dozens of leaks published in the media about the hostage negotiations, which were harmful to the premier, and none of those were investigated."
The statement went on to criticize the handling of the investigation and support Netanyahu's call for transparency: "It was not for nothing that Prime Minister Netanyahu demanded the immediate removal of the gag order over the investigation. The ongoing obfuscation is intended to tarnish his office."
A court session addressing petitions to fully lift the gag order is scheduled for Sunday, where further details about the investigation may emerge.
Aides lawyering up
Two of Netanyahu’s close aides have retained legal counsel, according to a Channel 12 report. The aides are reportedly consulting with Amit Hadad, one of the premier's personal attorneys, for guidance as scrutiny mounts over their potential involvement.
Israeli Kan public broadcaster further revealed that Tzachi Braverman, Netanyahu’s chief of staff, recently met with Hadad alongside another senior aide, a sign of heightened legal preparation amid the probe’s escalation.
A close associate of one of the main suspects, who was detained in connection with the alleged leak, expressed frustration toward Netanyahu.
The suspect, according to his associate, has been loyal to Netanyahu for over a year, acting as a consultant and frequently engaging in high-level security discussions.
"He worked for Netanyahu and was a consultant for the last year and a half. He devoted his whole life to the prime minister and was prepared to risk his life for him," the associate told Channel 12.
The associate claimed Netanyahu is now distancing himself from the suspect. "Suddenly in one moment this scandal blew open and Netanyahu has thrown him under the bus, lying by saying he didn’t work for him," he added.
The suspect, while not formally employed by the Prime Minister’s Office, reportedly played a significant role in Netanyahu's operations, joining him for security meetings, daily missions, and even accompanying his convoy.
As the investigation continues, questions are mounting regarding the informal roles of these aides and the possible implications of their access to sensitive intelligence.
