Israeli Political Commentator Responds to Leaked Chats with PM's Advisor
Translated & summarized from Israel Hayom by baba
WhatsApp conversations attributed to Yonatan Urich, an advisor to Prime Minister Netanyahu, were leaked online Sunday, causing a stir. Political commentator Amit Segal commented on the leak, stating Urich was not unique in such exchanges and that journalists receive information through a delicate process with sources. Segal condemned phone hacking but suggested similar or more extreme conversations would be revealed if other political figures were targeted.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- WhatsApp conversations allegedly from PM's advisor Yonatan Urich were leaked online.
- Political commentator Amit Segal stated Urich was not the only one involved in such exchanges.
- Segal described journalist-source interactions as a delicate exchange of information and opinions.
- A website threatened to release more alleged conversations from Urich.
- Segal vowed to expose similar chats if other political figures' phones were hacked.
WhatsApp conversations allegedly belonging to Yonatan Urich, an advisor to Prime Minister Netanyahu, were leaked to social media on Sunday, sparking controversy. Political commentator Amit Segal addressed the leak in an interview with Channel 12, stating that Urich was "by no means the only one" engaging in such exchanges.
A pirated website, titled "Welcome to Yonatan Urich's WhatsApp," reportedly published the conversations and threatened to release more in the coming days. In response, Urich posted an edited video of the "Yashar!" party chairman, quipping "They hacked into Izankot."
Segal, speaking for the first time about his own leaked conversations with Urich, explained that journalists receive information through a "very delicate tango" between sources and reporters, which can involve exchanges of information and opinions. He asserted that while hacking someone's phone and spying is "terrible and criminal," he does not believe a line was crossed in this instance.
Segal expressed hope that no other campaign managers, party leaders, or campaign directors would have their phones hacked. He vowed that if such a breach were to occur, "from the Arab parties to the religious ones, from Izankot to Ben Gvir," similar or even more extreme conversations would be found. He added that he would pursue legal action if his own phone were hacked.
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