Netanyahu spokesman suspected of leaking intel identified as Eli Feldstein

An employee from the Prime Ministers Office named Eli Feldstein is under suspicion in connection with a probe into a disclosure of confidential information on social media (used in compliance, with Clause 27(a) of the Copyright Law).

The court relaxed a restriction, on information disclosure on Sunday in a case related to leaks of classified data by an ally of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu revealed the main suspects identity and other specific aspects.

A spokesperson named Eli Feldstein from the Prime Ministers Office has been accused of leaking information with potential national security consequences to European media organizations as, per a decision released on Sunday evening by Menahem Mizrahi of the Rishon Lezion Magistrate Court.

Three suspects identities are currently under wraps as ordered by the court; however it has been disclosed that they have ties, to the defense sector.

The inquiry was initiated following suspicions that emerged in the Shin Bet and IDF regarding the unauthorized removal of secret intelligence data from the IDF. This raised concerns about harm to national security and jeopardizing the confidentiality of information sources as highlighted in media reports " stated the court. "Such actions could have potentially impacted the effectiveness of defense agencies in their efforts to secure the release of hostages, in Gaza."

Lately Netanyahu has been trying to separate himself from the situation by stating that no one from his office has been arrested or is being investigated and by defending himself against those who suggest that the leaked information was advantageous, for him politically He minimized the importance of the incident and publicly requested for the gag order to be removed.

Several sources indicate that Feldstein had been operating as a de facto employee of the PMs office for a year and was often in close proximity to the prime minister himself in numerous photos from the past year. Reports from Kan news mentioned that although Feldstein technically reported to the PMs office director rather than directly to the office itself because he reportedly failed a polygraph test and did not meet the security clearance requirements for working at the PMs office; however he still maintained frequent communication, with the prime minister.

The documents that were leaked reportedly served as the foundation for an article in the Jewish Chronicle based in London, which was eventually retracted claiming that Hamas had organized a plan to move hostages out of Gaza via Egypt. Additionally an article in Germanys Bild newspaper alleged that Hamas was prolongating hostage negotiations as a tactic of warfare, against Israel.

Israeli news outlets and other onlookers questioned the credibility of those reports that seemed to align with Netanyahus requests during the negotiations and clear him of responsibility, for their breakdown.

The case was initially brought to light on Friday following Feldsteins arrest during a police raid in the early morning hours four days to that days events. He is currently being held in custody. Is expected to remain so until, at least Tuesday when another hearing is set to take place.

According to Ynet investigators are looking into four aspects of the case, namely the unauthorized disclosure of confidential documents granting access to a consultant without proper security clearance, to restricted areas mishandling classified information and manipulating documents to sway public opinion regarding a hostage negotiation agreement.

According to a source with the case details as reported by Ynet news outlet certain individuals involved in the current investigation may potentially receive a maximum sentence of 15 years, in jail.

Feldstein was 32 years old. Had previously worked as a spokesperson for the religious Netzah Yehuda battalion and the West Bank Division of the army in the militarys communication unit before becoming an operations officer, in the IDF Spokesmans unit.

After leaving the army service the person from Bne Brak had a stint as a representative, for Itamar Ben Gvir of Otama Yehudit before he became the national security minister.

The PMs office did not reject claims that a document leaked from Netanyahus office on Saturday. Made sure to separate the prime minister from the incident itself by stating that the spokesperson had not been involved in security talks or briefed on classified information and had not joined secret visits.

"The PMs Office clarified that the document was not received directly from the IDF Military Intelligence Directorate; rather it was brought to the attention of the minister through media reports " according to a statement, from the PMs Office.

On September 6th of this year a report was released by Bild in Germany. It mentioned a document from Gaza that revealed Hamas focus in talks with Israel. Their priority seemed to be rebuilding their strength rather than improving the situation for civilians in Gaza. The document dated spring of 2024 was reportedly found on a computer owned by former Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar as per Bilds access, to the information.

The IDF initiated an investigation into the information leak then and stated that the document was discovered in Gaza, around five months ago; it wasn't authored by Sinwar but was instead a recommendation paper prepared by a mid level Hamas officer.

The Prime Ministers Office dismissed as "the claim that a supportive article in Bild had any negative impact, on the hostage release talks or Israels security.

The IDF stated that they were not aware of the alleged document mentioned in the Jewish Chronicle article from September 5 titled "Sinwars plan to 'smuggle hostages to Iran'". The article claimed that a document found in the Gaza Strip revealed Sinwars supposed intention to smuggle himself and some hostages, from Gaza to Iran. The IDF denied knowledge of its existence.

The Jewish Chronicle revealed in September that they had dismissed the writer for those articles and others due to concerns, about their accuracy and had taken down his works from their website.

After the restriction, on speaking was removed Opposition Leader Yair Lapid accused Netanyahu of being unfit to lead Israel in times of war or possibly involved in a grave security breach.

Lapid stated that Netanyahus argument is that he lacks authority or power over the organizations he heads. If this claim is accurate then he may be unsuitable and unqualified to guide Israel through its challenging conflict, in history. Lapid urged for an inquiry that examines if Netanyahu instructed the release of information.

He inquired about what knowledge the person had if they were unaware of their aides engaging in activities such as stealing documents and operating spies within the IDF to prevent a hostage deal by revealing intelligence sources and sharing secret documents, with foreign newspapers.

Benny Gantz from the National Unity party and a former war cabinet member stated that this incident serves as confirmation of his assertions regarding the negative impact of political motivations, on security discussions.

"In contrast to the narrative being crafted at the Prime Ministers Office " he remarked while standing next to Lapid " it's not about doubting a leak but about exploiting state secrets for political gain." He emphasized that if crucial security details are compromised and utilized as a weapon in a battle for survival " it isn't just breaking the law; it's a threat, to the nation."

Feldsteins sister took to Instagram to share that he had been held in Shin Bet custody for a week. She described her brother as an individual with a kind and genuine heart.

According to someone, in Feldsteins circle who spoke to Channel 12 previously the prime minister betrayed him by revealing confidential information.

"He served under Netanyahu as an advisor for the year and a half and has been wholeheartedly committed to the prime minister to the point of risking his own well being for him " the insider revealed in dismay over how Netanyahu swiftly distanced himself when the scandal broke out and even went as far, as denying their association."