In a new Scandal shaking the occupation state, revelations have emerged that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office orchestrated a covert operation to block the release of Israeli prisoners held in Gaza.
The scandal centers on a team reportedly working from within Netanyahu’s office, accused of disseminating manipulated intelligence to undermine prisoner exchange efforts and maintain a hardline stance. These actions, revealed through media leaks and official investigations, have sparked outrage among opposition leaders, military officials, and the families of Israeli prisoners.
What Triggered the Scandal?
The roots of the scandal trace back to leaked documents and reports that first surfaced in western media, namely The Jewish Chronicle from the UK and The Bild from Germany, raising alarm within Israel’s security establishment.
The documents suggest that a group within Netanyahu’s circle selectively leaked fabricated classified information to create a narrative that impeded ongoing negotiations for a ceasefire and prisoner release. The move has been criticized as a strategic gamble that put political interests above national security and the welfare of Israeli prisoners.
How Serious Are the Allegations?
The allegations go beyond mere document leaks. According to opposition leaders, including Yair Lapid and Benny Gantz, the situation is a deliberate exploitation of state secrets for political gains. The accusations include not just unauthorized disclosures but also the use of confidential intelligence and even fabricating documents to solidify Netanyahu’s political stance amid intense pressure from hostage families.
What Did the Leaked Fabricated Documents Contain?
German magazine ‘The Bild’ used the fabricated leaked documents as a source to report an alleged strategy from Hamas regarding prisoner negotiations and ceasefire discussions. They also claimed that Yahya Sinwar, the leader of Hamas, was planning to flee from Gaza. taking several Israeli prisoners along with him through the Philadelphi Corridor.
Israeli officials emphasized that the documents were highly classified and posed a significant risk to intelligence operations. However, it turned out that they were fabricated.
How Did Netanyahu’s Office Respond?
Initially, Netanyahu’s office tried to deflect the allegations, denying any involvement and asserting that no staff members had been detained. However, images soon emerged showing the primary suspect, Eli Feldstein—a former spokesperson—alongside Netanyahu at high-level meetings and military site visits. This contradicted official denials and fueled public scrutiny.
What Is the Role of Shin Bet and the Military?
Shin Bet initiated an investigation following concerns raised by Israeli military officials back in July. This probe came after reports in The Jewish Chronicle and Bild that hinted at suspicious leaks. The investigation uncovered that documents had been selectively leaked and distorted, creating a narrative that linked them to Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar.
Who Has Been Arrested?
Reports indicate that four individuals have been detained, including one of Netanyahu’s closest advisors. While the Israeli government attempted to keep the details under wraps, a partial court order lifted the publication ban, revealing that the arrests followed evidence of an internal security breach. The prime suspect, Eli Feldstein, was implicated as a key figure in the leaks.
Was Netanyahu Aware of the Leaks?
Israeli opposition leaders have stressed that Netanyahu had prior knowledge, suggesting that the timing and nature of the leaks were strategically aligned with his political agenda. Some analysts argue that these disclosures aimed to bolster Netanyahu’s position by deflecting criticism over stalled prisoner negotiations and maintaining control over strategic narratives involving the genocide in Gaza.
Why is this a big deal?
The scandal underscores deep tensions between Israel’s political and military establishments. Dr. Ashraf Badr, an Israeli affairs expert, told Al Jazeera that the leaks symbolize a clash between military assessments—which indicated that certain military operations had achieved their goals—and Netanyahu’s insistence on a more aggressive strategy. This includes his infamous stance on the Philadelphi Route, which he claimed was essential for preventing the escape of prisoners.
Source: AA
