Axios: The details of the security leaks scandal that rocked Benjamin Netanyahu’s government

An aide to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has been arrested as part of a group of suspects in an investigation into the leaking of top-secret intelligence, Israeli officials said, according to Axios.

These arrests come at a time when the Israeli government situation is witnessing a major crisis, as it’s believed that the leaks aim to influence public opinion to support Netanyahu’s position regarding negotiations to release the hostages held by Hamas and establish a ceasefire in Gaza.

The Axios website reported that the case began when the Israeli army asked the Israeli internal security service (Shin Bet) to open an investigation after a secret intelligence report was leaked to the German newspaper Bild, which included a document allegedly prepared by Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar, and containing details about the movement’s strategy in negotiations related to hostages and a ceasefire.

The joint police and security investigations resulted in the arrest of several suspects, with the investigation focusing on concern over a security breach due to the illegal provision of classified information, which could put sensitive information and intelligence sources at risk.

The information revealed indicates that the leaks have harmed efforts to achieve military objectives in Gaza.

In his response, Netanyahu denied any involvement by his office, stressing that none of his employees had been questioned or arrested.

He also questioned why no one else had been questioned, noting that there had been no leaks from the Prime Minister’s Office, and accused other government agencies, which he did not name, of causing the leaks.

The aide who was arrested is considered one of Netanyahu’s closest aides, and has worked closely with him since the start of the war, participating in sensitive security meetings despite failing to pass a security background check, meaning he didn’t have the required security clearance.

However, he continued to advise Netanyahu on security issues.

A report by Yedioth Ahronoth revealed that the statements made by Netanyahu in his last speech raised many questions about the reliability of the information provided by the government.

As the days passed, these doubts became more evident with the emergence of new reports in some Israeli newspapers that showed clear support for narratives that strengthen Netanyahu’s position.

One critic in the newspaper described the situation as fantasy, referring to a writer who claimed to be a military professor and undercover journalist, claiming to be publishing information about Mossad activities.

Among the sensational stories he promoted were those of spies in camouflage uniforms hiding among trees in the heart of Tehran.

In a related context, articles published by the Bild newspaper, known for its close ties to the Prime Minister’s Office, reinforced these suspicions.

There were concerns that these reports represented a false storm, especially after 24 hours of meetings with internal sources in Israel, where it was said that the investigations might reveal more details about this case.

Yedioth Ahronoth reported that Netanyahu tried to impose a letter of clarification as the negotiations were nearing completion, which a senior member of the negotiating team described as a bloody letter.

This letter did nothing but create more obstacles that prevented reaching a satisfactory agreement.

Netanyahu’s office, faced with contradictory facts and documents, felt unable to convince the public, which prompted him to prepare his speeches and interviews with the media, including his interview with Fox News, which reiterated the same messages.

The information shows that the four days following Netanyahu’s speech were filled with conflicting evidence, reflecting the government’s attempts to avoid a cabinet vote on a potential deal that could destabilize the ruling coalition, especially with increasing pressure from the far right.

For his part, Yair Lapid, the leader of the Israeli opposition, confirmed that Netanyahu, as usual, is trying to distance himself from this issue and blame others, but he explained that the facts indicate the opposite, as the prime minister is personally responsible for every document, word or information that leaves his office.

The case comes at a time when Netanyahu is facing legal challenges, as he is expected to appear for the first time in his trial on corruption charges in the coming weeks, which further complicates the political situation in Israel and poses a threat to his credibility and ability to maintain his power in light of the multiple crises facing the Israeli government.