Israeli authorities recently arrested five officials, including four military intelligence officers, for allegedly leaking state secrets to the foreign media. Among the suspects was 32-year-old Eli Feldstein, a military officer working in Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office. The leaked documents, believed to have been written by Hamas, were the basis for reports in the London-based Jewish Chronicle and Germany’s Bild daily. These reports detailed a Hamas plan to smuggle Israeli hostages out of Gaza to Sinai and transfer them to Iran, creating psychological pressure on the Israeli government.
Feldstein is suspected of receiving the classified documents before they were reported, along with an interpretive spin favorable to Netanyahu, who was facing public pressure at the time. Investigations are underway to determine how Feldstein, who lacked proper security clearance, had access to classified documents and meetings. The case risks exposing Israel’s intelligence-gathering methods, raising concerns about the security of Israeli soldiers and hostages in Gaza. The leaks are believed to be part of an ongoing power struggle between Netanyahu and the security establishment over the handling of hostages and cease-fire agreements.
Opposition leaders Yair Lapid and Benny Gantz questioned if the leaks were ordered by Netanyahu, as the case originated from the Prime Minister’s Office. They suggested that if Netanyahu had no control over the system he heads, he is not fit to lead Israel in its difficult war against terrorism. However, some experts believe that the leaks are unlikely to significantly damage Netanyahu politically. Gideon Rahat, a professor at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, noted that Netanyahu is a populist leader who is likely to use the situation to his advantage, accusing the “deep state” of targeting him.
Rahat explained that Netanyahu views the “deep state” as a liberal court system, security services, and military that work against him. Populist leaders like Netanyahu often dismiss investigations and trials as biased attacks. Comparing Netanyahu to former Prime Minister Ehud Olmert, Rahat highlighted that while Olmert had little success in the 2006 Lebanon war, Netanyahu maintains a strong support base despite ongoing challenges. The second Lebanon war started with Hezbollah’s kidnapping of IDF soldiers, whereas Hamas also kidnapped several people.
In the context of populism, politicians are perceived differently today, with less accountability for events occurring under their leadership. Netanyahu’s popularity has endured despite various controversies, indicating that his base remains supportive. While the leak investigation has stirred up skepticism and speculation, it is unlikely to have a significant impact on Netanyahu’s political standing. The ongoing power struggle between Netanyahu and the security establishment may continue to shape future developments and debates within Israeli politics. Despite the challenges and controversies, Netanyahu’s strong support base and political maneuvers allow him to navigate the complexities of leadership in a challenging region.
