Police Investigate Haaretz Journalist Over Netanyahu Family Location Disclosures

Israeli police have launched a preliminary review into Haaretz journalist Uri Misgav following a complaint filed by Yair Netanyahu, the son of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The complaint, submitted to Police Commissioner Danny Levi, alleges that Misgav disclosed the locations of Yair Netanyahu. Aviad Glickman, a journalist for Channel 13, reported on the development. The review is currently in its initial stages and does not constitute a formal investigation.

Misgav is known for tracking the movements of the Netanyahu family, frequently publishing their current coordinates and temporary addresses on social media. In 2023, he reportedly revealed Yair Netanyahu's exact address in Florida, USA. According to Yair Netanyahu's complaint, this disclosure led to Iranian operatives surveilling the residence and preparing an assassination attempt. Consequently, Israeli special services urgently evacuated Yair Netanyahu from Miami in December of the previous year.

While a criminal case has not yet been opened, the police are examining the publication of sensitive data, which could potentially lead to charges. The article notes that initiating a criminal case against a journalist for actions taken within their professional duties typically requires approval from the government's legal service. However, the situation is considered complex because Misgav's disclosures concerning the prime minister's family members were made on social media, not in the newspaper itself.