The Rishon Letsiyon Magistrate Court revealed Eliezer Feldstein as the prime suspect in the PM Office leak scandal. A close aid of Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Feldstein is suspected of leaking security documents, a part of an attempt to prevent a hostage deal, certain court documents stated on Sunday.
The leak scandal did garner public attention for days, even before the Rishon Letsiyon Magistrate Court Judge Menahem Mizrahi lifted a portion of the gag order to reveal a few details of the security breach, the Jerusalem Post reported.
This case of security breach has been named as one of the most serious breaches in the nation, the news outlet stated. Although the details of the case were not fully revealed, there were four people under investigation, a court document stated. Soon after the leak, Netanyahu has been criticized for planning to thwart a deal that could lead to his downfall.
"The investigation began after significant suspicions arose in the Shin Bet and IDF, also in light of media publications indicating that classified and sensitive intelligence information was taken from IDF systems and illegally removed," the Magistrate Court Judge wrote.
He further added, "This raised concerns about serious harm to national security and risking information sources. As a result, there could have been damage to the security forces' ability to achieve the goal of releasing the hostages, as part of the war objectives."
The court ruling also highlighted that one of the suspects was freed from confinement whereas the apprehension of other three was extended. They were not allowed to meet with an attorney and there were 'reasonable grounds' related to the defendants guilt, stated the Jerusalem Post.