An investigation involving Israeli security, police and military officials has led to the arrest of four suspects, including Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu's spokesman, Eli Feldstein. According to Axios , the news could be considered one of the biggest scandals in the Israeli government since the conflict in Gaza broke out.

An Israeli judge said on November 3 that the leak of top secret information could cause "significant damage" to efforts to rescue hostages held by the Hamas movement in Gaza.

PHOTO: THE TIMES OF ISRAEL

"The investigation focuses on concerns about a security breach due to the unauthorized provision of classified information, which has jeopardized intelligence sources and sensitive information, as well as harmed efforts to achieve objectives in the war in Gaza," according to information released by the judge on November 3.

Details of the incident have not been disclosed, but The Guardian said some Israeli media outlets mentioned the suspects were believed to have leaked Hamas strategic documents, found by the Israeli army in Gaza.

The leak is believed to have been aimed at influencing Israeli public opinion to support Netanyahu’s hardline stance on a ceasefire and hostage release deal with Hamas. It is unclear whether Netanyahu was aware of or involved in the leak.

Prime Minister Netanyahu denied that he or his subordinates were involved in the incident. "No one from the Israeli Prime Minister's Office has been questioned or arrested," he said, alleging that the leak came from other government agencies.

The Times of Israel reported that investigators are now focusing on four allegations: leaking top secret documents; allowing a Netanyahu adviser without a security clearance to attend a secret meeting; negligent handling of classified documents; and using documents to influence public opinion about the hostage deal.

A close subordinate to Mr. Netanyahu participated in security meetings with many sensitive contents and overheard classified information, even though this person did not have a security clearance, thereby not meeting the requirements to work in Mr. Netanyahu's office and was not officially hired, according to Axios .

The scandal could add to the distrust and tension between Netanyahu and the Israeli military and intelligence agencies, which have grown since security lapses linked to a Hamas attack on Israel on October 7, 2023.