Sun Nov 03 23:38:00 UTC 2024: ## Israeli PM Netanyahu’s Media Adviser Suspected of Leaking Classified Information
**TEL AVIV, Israel** – An Israeli court has partially lifted a gag order on a case investigating the suspected leak of classified information, implicating one of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s media advisers, Eli Feldstein. The alleged leaks, which reportedly went to European media outlets, are believed to have been intended to provide political cover for Netanyahu during the Gaza cease-fire talks.
Feldstein is accused of leaking classified information to the *Jewish Chronicle* and *Bild* newspapers, which published articles that appeared to support Netanyahu’s demands during the talks and downplayed his role in their failure.
The *Jewish Chronicle* article, which was later retracted, suggested that Hamas planned to spirit hostages out of Gaza through Egypt, while the *Bild* article claimed that Hamas was prolonging the talks as a form of psychological warfare. Both articles were widely criticized as being biased and lacking credibility.
Netanyahu has denied any wrongdoing and insists that Feldstein, who joined his team as an adviser after the October 2023 Hamas attack, was not involved in any security discussions or privy to classified information. However, critics have raised serious concerns, arguing that the leaks could have undermined national security and potentially sabotaged efforts to secure the release of hostages.
The case has sparked a scandal, with the *Jewish Chronicle* facing criticism for publishing the discredited article. The newspaper has since removed the article and others written by the freelance journalist in question.
The investigation is ongoing and several suspects, including Feldstein, have been arrested for questioning. The leaked documents have been deemed a threat to national security, as they could expose sensitive information and compromise sources.
Netanyahu has sought to deflect blame, pointing to Hamas’s demands and accusing them of prolonging the talks. However, the scandal has further damaged his reputation, particularly given his ongoing corruption trials.
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