Jonathan Urich Received Detailed Update on Eli Feldstein's Arrest Despite Denials
Jonathan Urich, advisor to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, previously claimed he was not informed about the arrest of Eli Feldstein. However, a testimony revealed on Channel 13 on Sunday shows that Urich received a detailed update about the arrest just hours after it occurred. The testimony also indicates that shortly after receiving this information, Urich deleted the contents of his mobile phone, contradicting his earlier claims of ignorance regarding Feldstein's detention.
Evidence from the case shows that on the morning of Feldstein's arrest, Urich made only one call to him, raising suspicion since Urich typically contacted Feldstein multiple times a day, especially if there was no response. Prosecutors suspect Urich deliberately acted to erase information. During interrogation, Urich claimed he replaced his phone every six months, but police and prosecution investigations revealed he actually changed devices about once every year and a half, suggesting he lied.
Additional testimony from former Shin Bet chief Ronen Bar confirmed that Netanyahu was informed about Feldstein's arrest shortly after it happened. Prosecutors believe the overall evidence points to Urich intentionally destroying evidence, contrary to his claim that the actions were random.
A significant contradiction emerged between Netanyahu's and Urich's accounts regarding the "Bild" and "Ketergate" cases, particularly about how the Prime Minister's spokespersons operated. This discrepancy led prosecutors to request an expedited hearing on Urich's return to his role in the Prime Minister's Office. The core issue is who issued instructions and whether Feldstein's actions were authorized by Netanyahu.
Netanyahu sought to distance himself from the Ketergate affair, stating he had no ongoing professional relationship with Feldstein. In contrast, Urich testified that spokespersons worked directly under Netanyahu, with every message requiring his approval. This testimony is critical as it implies Netanyahu's active involvement in approving communications from his office.
Last month, prosecutors charged Urich in the case involving the leak of classified documents to the Bild newspaper. They also amended the indictment against Feldstein and reservist Ari Rosenfeld for stealing sensitive intelligence from AMAN systems and publishing it in Bild, adding Urich to the revised indictment. Urich faces charges including intentional disclosure of classified information harming national security, possession of classified information, and evidence destruction.
