Netanyahu Assistant Detained for Suspected Leaks – Axios
Israeli authorities have allegedly detained an aide to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu amid a widening scandal regarding a potential leak to the media. Read Full Article at RT.com
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Israeli police have reportedly detained an aide to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu amid a scandal concerning a potential leak to the press. According to Axios, citing officials, this aide is among several individuals arrested as part of an investigation into a possible security breach at the Prime Minister's office.
While Netanyahu has asserted that no members of his team were involved in the suspected misconduct, local media have noted that some of his aides are not officially part of his office. The controversy centers on claims that a Hamas document was leaked to the media, which may have led to coverage that favored the prime minister's stance on hostage negotiations with the militant group.
At Rishon Lezion Magistrate’s Court on Friday, Judge Menachem Mizrahi ordered a partial lifting of a gag order imposed by the Israeli military censor regarding what the press is dubbing the “security affair.” He also confirmed that the domestic security agency Shin Bet, the Israel Defense Forces, and the national police have initiated an “open phase” of their investigation into the matter.
In early September, reports from the German tabloid Bild and the British outlet The Jewish Chronicle detailed a purported Hamas strategy designed to stall negotiations with Israel regarding the release of hostages in Gaza.
These reports were allegedly based on a document penned by former Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar, who has since been killed by Israeli forces. The Times of Israel noted that the IDF has confirmed a mid-level Hamas official authored the paper, adding that the content was “nearly identical to points made by Netanyahu” at the time.
Both Netanyahu and various media outlets have filed a petition with the Israeli court to completely lift the gag order. The prime minister’s office argued that the “ongoing obfuscation serves as a cover for deliberate and malicious slander against [it].” The court is set to review the motion on Sunday.
Channel 12 reported that a source close to one of the arrestees stated the PM's aide “has dedicated his life to the prime minister and would endanger himself for him,” but suggested that as soon as the scandal surfaced, “Netanyahu threw him under the bus.”
Furthermore, the broadcaster Kan indicated that the suspect worked for Netanyahu in an unofficial capacity and had direct access to high-ranking officials.
Critics have accused Netanyahu of neglecting the fate of hostages taken by Hamas during the October 7 incursion into Israel, alleging that rather than seeking their negotiated release, he is prioritizing military action and intentionally undermining negotiations.
Sophie Wagner contributed to this report for TROIB News
While Netanyahu has asserted that no members of his team were involved in the suspected misconduct, local media have noted that some of his aides are not officially part of his office. The controversy centers on claims that a Hamas document was leaked to the media, which may have led to coverage that favored the prime minister's stance on hostage negotiations with the militant group.
At Rishon Lezion Magistrate’s Court on Friday, Judge Menachem Mizrahi ordered a partial lifting of a gag order imposed by the Israeli military censor regarding what the press is dubbing the “security affair.” He also confirmed that the domestic security agency Shin Bet, the Israel Defense Forces, and the national police have initiated an “open phase” of their investigation into the matter.
In early September, reports from the German tabloid Bild and the British outlet The Jewish Chronicle detailed a purported Hamas strategy designed to stall negotiations with Israel regarding the release of hostages in Gaza.
These reports were allegedly based on a document penned by former Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar, who has since been killed by Israeli forces. The Times of Israel noted that the IDF has confirmed a mid-level Hamas official authored the paper, adding that the content was “nearly identical to points made by Netanyahu” at the time.
Both Netanyahu and various media outlets have filed a petition with the Israeli court to completely lift the gag order. The prime minister’s office argued that the “ongoing obfuscation serves as a cover for deliberate and malicious slander against [it].” The court is set to review the motion on Sunday.
Channel 12 reported that a source close to one of the arrestees stated the PM's aide “has dedicated his life to the prime minister and would endanger himself for him,” but suggested that as soon as the scandal surfaced, “Netanyahu threw him under the bus.”
Furthermore, the broadcaster Kan indicated that the suspect worked for Netanyahu in an unofficial capacity and had direct access to high-ranking officials.
Critics have accused Netanyahu of neglecting the fate of hostages taken by Hamas during the October 7 incursion into Israel, alleging that rather than seeking their negotiated release, he is prioritizing military action and intentionally undermining negotiations.
Sophie Wagner contributed to this report for TROIB News
