On 1 November 2024, it was reported that government officials close to Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu had leaked state secrets regarding the goals of the Israel–Hamas war. Shin Bet, Israel's internal security service, in cooperation with the army and police, is investigating the scandal.[1][2] A number of suspects have been arrested, while the prime minister said none of his aides had been arrested.[3] Yedioth Ahronoth reported that one of the detainees had attended confidential meetings with Netanyahu at the Defense Ministry headquarters. The American website Axios reported that the arrest of four individuals, including Eli Feldstein, spokesperson for Netanyahu, is at the center of what could become the most significant scandal in the Israeli government since the onset of the Israel–Hamas war.[4]
The scandal supports earlier reports that Netanyahu was determined to block any ceasefire to avoid facing trial, early elections, and accountability for the significant security lapse during the October 7 attack.[4][5][6]
- ^ "Several suspects arrested amid probe of PM's office over alleged classified intel leak". The Times of Israel. 1 November 2024. Retrieved 6 November 2024.
- ^ Ravid, Barak (1 November 2024). "Classified leaks by detained Netanyahu aide may have undermined hostage operations". Axios. Retrieved 6 November 2024.
- ^ Peleg, Bar; Lis, Jonathan (1 November 2024). "Suspects Arrested Over Alleged Leak of Classified Intelligence That May Impede Gaza War Objectives in Probe Linked to Netanyahu's Office". Haaretz. Retrieved 5 November 2024.
- ^ a b Cite error: The named reference
:0was invoked but never defined (see the help page). - ^ Fink, Rachel (19 September 2024). "New Evidence Reveals Netanyahu's Relentless Efforts to Block Hostage Deal, Report Shows". Haaretz. Retrieved 5 November 2024.
- ^ "Netanyahu says he's deeply sorry about October 7, but rejects probe until after war". The Times of Israel. 8 August 2024. Retrieved 5 November 2024.