A recent scandal involving Eli Feldstein, a spokesperson for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, has rocked Israel’s political landscape. Feldstein faces accusations of leaking sensitive Israel Defense Forces (IDF) information to foreign media, allegedly jeopardizing efforts to secure the release of hostages held by Hamas. The leaked reports notably mirrored Netanyahu’s public statements at the time, which critics argue could have influenced public opinion on the contentious hostage negotiations and security operations. Below is a detailed timeline that traces the key events and claims surrounding this unfolding case.
October 2023: Feldstein Joins Prime Minister’s Office Amid Gaza Tensions
Feldstein, a former spokesperson for National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir and senior IDF spokesperson, was appointed to the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) to assist in managing media following the October 7 Hamas massacre and subsequent Israeli military response in Gaza. However, security concerns arose quickly; reports indicate Feldstein failed a polygraph test and was subsequently denied full security clearance.
April-May 2024: The Hamas Document and Hostage Deal Complications
An internal Hamas document, discovered by the IDF, suggested that Hamas intended to prolong the conflict to exploit divisions within Israeli society, rather than pursuing a ceasefire and hostage release. Although this document was not initially deemed highly significant by the IDF, it would later become a focal point in the alleged leaks.
May 31, 2024: U.S. Endorses Outline for Hostage Deal
In May, U.S. President Joe Biden outlined a phased hostage release plan, believed to be an Israeli proposal. The suggested deal did not include Israeli soldiers stationed in the Philadelphi Corridor—a critical border area between Gaza and Egypt.
August 2024: Hostage Deal Stalemate and Rising Tensions
As negotiations stalled, Israel reportedly insisted that any truce with Hamas should be temporary, with soldiers maintaining a presence in the Philadelphi Corridor. Critics argued that this demand complicated the negotiations and questioned Netanyahu’s commitment to reaching an agreement.
Late August 2024: Internal Tensions Over Gaza Border Security
On August 29, Defense Minister Yoav Gallant and Netanyahu reportedly clashed over the Philadelphi Corridor. While Gallant and military officials believed the border could be managed without stationing Israeli troops there, Netanyahu insisted on its strategic importance, claiming it was essential for Israel’s security.
September 2024: Hostages Discovered, Public Outcry Grows
On September 1, six hostages were found deceased in a Gaza tunnel, likely executed as Israeli forces approached. This tragic discovery intensified public pressure on the Israeli government to reach a hostage deal, even if it required a temporary ceasefire. Protests erupted across Israel, urging the government to prioritize a diplomatic solution over military actions.
September 4-6, 2024: Leaked Media Reports Mirror PMO Talking Points
In early September, Bild, a German news outlet, published a report claiming that Hamas sought to prolong the war rather than negotiate a hostage deal, allegedly based on a document recovered from Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar’s computer. Shortly after, the Jewish Chronicle released—and later retracted—a report suggesting Hamas intended to smuggle hostages and fighters through Egypt to Iran. Netanyahu’s public statements around this time mirrored these claims, underscoring the need for Israeli control over the Philadelphi Corridor.
September 10-12, 2024: IDF Begins Internal Leak Investigation
The IDF launched an internal probe into the alleged leak, condemning the unauthorized release of classified documents. Meanwhile, the IDF publicly countered claims made in media reports, noting that there was no concrete intelligence to support assertions of hostages being smuggled to Iran.
October 27, 2024: Feldstein Arrested on Suspicion of Leaking Classified Info
In late October, Feldstein was detained in a pre-dawn raid, as part of an investigation involving the IDF, Shin Bet, and police. Authorities suspect that he leaked one or more classified documents to Bild and other outlets. Several others were also detained, with some media alleging that the leaked information may have influenced public sentiment on the hostage situation.
November 1-3, 2024: PMO Distances Itself from Feldstein as Case Unfolds
Following Feldstein’s arrest, the PMO issued a statement denying involvement in the leaks and asserting that Feldstein was not privy to classified discussions. Netanyahu’s office also criticized the ongoing gag order on the case, describing it as a cover for unfounded allegations. However, the controversy continued to grow as media circulated images of Feldstein and Netanyahu at public events, suggesting a closer professional relationship than the PMO acknowledged.
Implications of the Leaks and the Hostage Negotiations
Critics argue that the Bild and Jewish Chronicle reports, which emphasized the risks of Hamas smuggling hostages to Iran, conveniently aligned with Netanyahu’s stance on the need to hold the Philadelphi Corridor. Some political commentators have questioned whether these leaks were strategically timed to bolster public support for continued military operations in Gaza.
Moving Forward: Political Ramifications and the Search for Answers
With Feldstein’s arrest and ongoing investigations into the leaked documents, the case has drawn renewed scrutiny over how information is managed at the highest levels of Israel’s government. As Israeli officials continue to seek a solution for hostages held in Gaza, the case highlights the challenges faced when sensitive information intersects with high-stakes political decisions.