Israeli agent accused of leaking classified files to minister and journalists

An Israeli reservist officer from the Shin Bet internal security service has been arrested and is under investigation over the alleged leak of classified documents to journalists and a government minister.

The leaked materials reportedly detail internal concerns about far-right extremism within the Israeli police and provide an unfiltered account of the agency’s actions in the lead-up to the Hamas-led October 7 attacks, Caliber.Az reports via Israeli media.

The investigation is being conducted by the Police Internal Investigations Department (PIID), which is operating under special authorization granted by Israel’s Attorney General. The PIID is exercising jurisdiction typically reserved for police affairs due to the suspect's position within Shin Bet.

The suspect, who holds the rank of lieutenant colonel in the reserves, was arrested on April 9. Upon his arrest, Shin Bet approved an order that temporarily denied him access to legal counsel — a controversial move that has since been reversed.

Investigators allege that the officer passed confidential documents from Shin Bet systems to unauthorized recipients, including Amichai Chikli, Israel’s Minister for Diaspora Affairs, and two journalists. Among the leaked materials was an internal investigation into the infiltration of "Kahanist" ideology, referring to the ultra-nationalist views of the outlawed Kach movement, into the higher ranks of the Israeli police. The issue is considered explosive at a time when public and institutional scrutiny of far-right influence within state bodies is intensifying.

Another document leaked separately contains Shin Bet’s internal assessment of its own actions prior to the October 7 Hamas assault, during which more than 1,200 people were killed in Israel and hundreds were taken hostage. According to reports, the reservist believed this version of the agency's internal review contradicted the official narrative and provided a more detailed picture of Shin Bet’s stance and decision-making before the attack. The report was shared with a journalist, though it has not been published publicly. Shin Bet has not denied the authenticity of the leaked documents.

In a public statement, the agency emphasized that it has long monitored Jewish extremist groups designated as terrorist organizations — including “Kach” and “Kahane Chai” — and that it works actively to prevent their infiltration into state institutions, particularly law enforcement.

The PIID said the suspect "used his role in security and access to Shin Bet systems" to pass classified information to unauthorized parties on several occasions. The agency further clarified that no journalists have been wiretapped or interrogated as part of the investigation.

The suspect, who is represented by attorney Ori Korb, has denied leaking state secrets. During interrogation, he reportedly stated that he acted in the public interest and that the information he shared had been misrepresented by Shin Bet officials. He maintained that the materials he disclosed had “significant public value” and “did not harm national security.”

The court has extended the suspect’s detention partially, with a further review expected later this week.

By Tamilla Hasanova