Netanyahu Allegedly Knew of Classified Hamas Document Leak, Claims Lawyer

 A newly released Supreme Court transcript has revealed allegations that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was aware of plans to leak a classified Hamas intelligence document prior to its publication in German media. The claims, made by the lawyer of a close aide, Eli Feldstein, raise serious concerns about Netanyahu’s involvement in one of Israel's most sensitive security breaches during critical hostage negotiations.

According to the December 5 court transcript, obtained by Ynet, Feldstein’s attorney, Oded Savoray, stated that his client informed Netanyahu about the classified document shortly after a press conference addressing Hamas’s killing of six hostages. Feldstein reportedly whispered to Netanyahu, “I have a document from my Military Intelligence sources with the same content but more updated. [Top adviser Yonatan] Urich and I are working on getting it out.”

The document, detailing Hamas’s hostage negotiation tactics, appeared in Germany’s Bild newspaper five days later. Prosecutors allege that Feldstein collaborated with an IDF intelligence non-commissioned officer (NCO), Ari Rosenfeld, to unlawfully access and leak the sensitive information. The aim, they claim, was to sway public opinion in Netanyahu’s favor during a particularly volatile period.

The court documents also reveal concerns from prosecutors that Rosenfeld sought to disseminate additional classified information. They argued that he “threw away all his years of service” and warned of potential risks if he continued bypassing military command structures to transfer information directly to the Prime Minister.

While Feldstein has since been released to house arrest, Rosenfeld remains in custody. The case has drawn criticism over its handling, including allegations of inconsistency in security protocols. Despite Shin Bet head Tomer Bar’s assessment that Rosenfeld poses no security risk, he was transferred from solitary confinement to a shared cell with a convicted spy, raising questions about the judiciary's approach.

This scandal underscores deep concerns about the safeguarding of military intelligence within Israel’s top political offices, further complicating Netanyahu’s position during a period of heightened public scrutiny and ongoing security challenges.