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Netanyahu Aide Eliezer Feldstein Arrested Over Leaks That May Have Hindered Gaza Hostage Release; Thousands Protest in Israel

Nov 4, 2024, 12:52 AM

Israeli authorities are investigating a suspected leak of classified documents from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office that may have undermined ceasefire negotiations with Hamas and efforts to secure the release of around 100 hostages still believed to be held in Gaza. Eliezer Feldstein, an aide in Netanyahu's office and former spokesperson for National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir, has been arrested alongside several other suspects, including a fifth suspect who is an Israel Defense Forces (IDF) officer. The leaked documents reportedly contained sensitive intelligence related to the war on Gaza and hostage negotiations, and were allegedly used to influence public opinion, prolong the war, and bolster Netanyahu's political position. Courts have partially lifted gag orders on the case, with judges indicating that the leaks could have hindered the hostages' release. The scandal has sparked outrage among hostage families and led to widespread protests, with thousands of Israelis taking to the streets of Tel Aviv demanding a deal to release the remaining hostages and calling for Netanyahu to step down.