Netanyahu Aide Feldstein Arrested for Leaking Classified Gaza Documents to Thwart Ceasefire

Nov 3, 2024, 09:06 PM

Israeli security services have arrested several suspects, including a senior army officer, in connection with the leak of classified documents from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office related to Israel's military plans in Gaza. One of the detainees is Eliezer Feldstein, also known as Eli Feldstein, a former spokesperson for Minister Itamar Ben Gvir, who was hired early in the war as a spokesperson in Netanyahu's office. The leaked documents were reportedly favorable to Netanyahu's Gaza policy and may have been aimed at influencing public opinion or sabotaging support for a ceasefire deal with Hamas, potentially prolonging the war. The Rishon Letzion Magistrates Court partially lifted a gag order on the case on Sunday, allowing Feldstein's name to be released while keeping other details under wraps due to national security concerns. The leaks have sparked outrage among families of the approximately 100 hostages still believed to be held by Hamas in Gaza. Thousands protested in Tel Aviv on Saturday, demanding a deal to release the remaining hostages and calling for Netanyahu to step down. Israeli media organizations persuaded a court to lift parts of the gag order on the investigation.