Investigation uncovers arrests linked to classified document leak from Netanyahu's office

Several individuals have been arrested for questioning in connection with an ongoing investigation into the alleged leak of classified documents from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office, as revealed by a judge on November 1.

Judge Menachem Mizrahi of the Rishon Lezion Magistrate’s Court stated that authorities believe the leak has compromised Israel's war objectives, leading to the partial lifting of a gag order surrounding the case, referred to as the “security affair”, Caliber.Az reports via Times of Israel.

Mizrahi noted that the Shin Bet, Israel Police, and the Israel Defense Forces have entered the “open phase” of their joint investigation into a suspected breach of national security resulting from the unauthorized dissemination of classified information.

The judge emphasized that the leak posed a threat to “sensitive information and intelligence sources” and hindered efforts to achieve “the goals of the war in the Gaza Strip.” He confirmed that “several suspects were arrested for questioning,” but did not disclose their identities or whether any were aides to the prime minister.

In response to these developments, Netanyahu's office asserted that no staff members have been arrested in connection with the investigation. However, analysts pointed out that some of Netanyahu's aides operate without formal employment status.

According to Channel 12 news, the war aims in question pertain to a potential hostage deal, with reports suggesting that suspects may have selectively leaked and misrepresented Hamas documents obtained by the IDF regarding the terrorist group’s strategies in hostage negotiations.

Netanyahu had previously modified conditions for an Israeli hostage proposal in July, insisting that Israeli forces remain along the Egypt-Gaza border, a demand criticized as an attempt to derail an agreement with Hamas. Despite opposition from Israel’s security establishment, Netanyahu received support from his far-right coalition partners, who threatened to topple the government if the original proposal was advanced.

A source close to one of the arrested individuals, who Channel 12 reported is still in custody, stated that the person was “thrown under the bus” by Netanyahu. “He worked for Netanyahu and was an adviser to him for the past year and a half. He has dedicated his life to the prime minister and would endanger himself for him. The moment [the scandal] erupted, Netanyahu threw him under the bus and even lies by saying he doesn’t work for him,” the source claimed.

The source further elaborated, “He not only worked for Bibi, he was at the [PM’s] office every day, sat with him in the ‘aquarium’ [at the PMO], accompanied him on every visit, attended all consultations, and travelled with the prime minister in his convoy. It’s unbelievable that a confidant is thrown to the wolves in an instant. Netanyahu would call him personally every day, send him on missions, and consult with him.”

Channel 12 broadcast several blurred images of the suspect, including one showing him in a room with Netanyahu and several other ministers, seemingly contradicting the premier’s assertion that he did not work with him.

By Tamilla Hasanova