Netanyahu’s Aide Arrested for Allegedly Leaking Classified IDF Documents to German Media

In a development that has shaken Israel’s political landscape, Eli Feldstein, a senior media advisor to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, was arrested by the Shin Bet internal security agency. He is accused of leaking classified Israel Defense Forces (IDF) documents to a German newspaper in an attempt to influence public opinion amid ongoing protests.

The Magistrate’s Court in Rishon LeZion, after easing a gag order, revealed new details on Sunday about the case. According to reports, the leaked information was allegedly intended to portray Yahya Sinwar, the late Hamas leader, as unwilling to agree to a ceasefire that would also include the release of hostages held in Gaza. The documents were said to have been passed to Feldstein by an IDF reserve officer who is now also under investigation.

The leak reportedly occurred after the Israeli military censor blocked a local TV channel from broadcasting the information. Feldstein circumvented this censorship by sharing the documents with Germany’s Bild newspaper, which published the story. He then urged Israeli journalists to follow up on the report once it was released internationally.

Feldstein had allegedly been in possession of the documents since June but chose to leak them in early September, shortly after IDF troops retrieved the bodies of six hostages from a tunnel in Gaza in late August. These hostages had been taken during a Hamas attack on October 7, 2024, and were killed shortly before rescue operations could reach them.

The revelation of this leak has fueled criticism against Prime Minister Netanyahu, who is already facing pressure over his handling of the ongoing conflict. Protests have erupted nationwide, demanding a ceasefire with Hamas to secure the release of remaining hostages. Netanyahu has consistently blamed Sinwar for obstructing potential deals to secure their freedom.

Three additional security personnel linked to the case have been detained, though their identities have not been disclosed. Feldstein’s detention has been extended by five days, with formal charges expected next week, according to court proceedings.

This incident has intensified scrutiny over the government’s efforts to secure a ceasefire and hostage release, deepening an already tense political atmosphere in Israel.

News Source : “Information for this article was gathered from a variety of reliable news outlets.”