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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 Gaza war.[4]
Details
The affair began with what was published by the German newspaper Bild on September 6, where the newspaper reported the existence of a document described as “secret” regarding the negotiation strategy followed by Hamas with Israel.[5]
The newspaper reported that the document, attributed to the office of Yahya Sinwar, then head of Hamas's political bureau, was dated spring 2024 and outlined "guidelines for achieving a ceasefire."
According to the alleged document, Hamas does not aim to end the conflict quickly, but rather seeks to improve the terms of the agreement, even if this leads to prolonging the conflict. The document indicates that Hamas’s strategy is based on several axes, including psychological pressure on the families of the hostages with the aim of increasing popular pressure on the Israeli government, draining Israel’s political and military resources, and intensifying international pressure on the Israeli side.
Reactions
Opposition leaders Yair Lapid and Benny Gantz have criticised Netanyahu, with Lapid stating that the real danger may come from within the prime minister's office itself. He added that the scandal shakes the foundations of the trust the Israeli people have placed in their leadership, especially at this critical time.[6]
Analysis
With growing accusations and ongoing leaks, Netanyahu’s political career could be at risk. Nonetheless, Haaretz warned that the opposition should temper its expectations.[7]
See also
References
- ^ "Several suspects arrested amid probe of PM's office over alleged classified intel leak". The Times of Israel.
- ^ "New scandal engulfs Netanyahu after close aide arrested for alleged intel leak". Axios. 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.
- ^ Goldenberg, Tia (3 November 2024). "Israel investigates leaks that appear to have bolstered Netanyahu as Gaza truce talks stalled". ABC News. Associated Press. Retrieved 4 November 2024.
- ^ [1]
- ^ "Netanyahu's office in crisis: Inside the leaked document scandal". The Jerusalem Post. 2 November 2024.
- ^ Harel, Amos (2 November 2024). "Leaked 'Hamas Documents' Suggest Netanyahu Ran Influence Campaign. Target: Israelis". Haaretz. Retrieved 4 November 2024.