Netanyahu's Advisor Admits Leaking Cabinet Info Under PM's Orders

Transcripts from the investigation of Yonatan Uriach, an advisor to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, reveal that Uriach allegedly leaked information from the Political-Security Cabinet, claiming he did so on Netanyahu's instructions. Uriach's defense centers on his status as Netanyahu's personal political advisor, not a state employee, thus avoiding a conflict of interest despite also being employed by Qatar. However, investigators presented evidence during his questioning by Lahav 433 showing Uriach handled security matters and disseminated information from cabinet meetings during the war.

Testimony from Netanyahu and Uriach's interrogations suggest the Prime Minister authorized Uriach to release security information from cabinet discussions. This has strengthened the investigators' and a judge's belief that Uriach's role, as one of Netanyahu's closest confidants, extends beyond that of an external political advisor. Uriach's scope of work is expected to be a critical factor in the case. He consistently maintained that all his briefings were approved by the Prime Minister, stating, "When the Prime Minister asks me to release a certain piece of information, it is not a leak, it does not contradict." He further asserted, "I am not exposed to classified material, only what the Prime Minister allows me."

Uriach reiterated this defense when questioned about information he allegedly leaked to Eli Feldstein, stating, "Netanyahu is the ultimate authority as a keeper of secrets, when he instructs me to brief, I do so with permission." Law enforcement is skeptical of Uriach's account, which is supported by the Prime Minister's stance, especially given that Uriach earned tens of thousands of shekels from Qatar while working closely with Netanyahu.

During court proceedings, Judge Amit Michels noted, "He concealed his actions from the Prime Minister and the fact that he received money to advance Qatar's interests, long after the war began and until the affair was exposed." Political figures have reacted strongly, with Gadi Eisenkot calling the revelations "serious suspicions of treason" and stating Netanyahu is "fully complicit." Former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett demanded Netanyahu explain his connection to Qatar and why Uriach, who received money from Qatar during wartime, remains close to him. Avigdor Lieberman suggested the new findings "raise serious suspicions of treason and an attempt to obstruct the pursuit of truth," while Yair Golan called Uriach's admission of acting only with Netanyahu's approval "shattering" Netanyahu's defense.

Uriach was added as a defendant in June to a revised indictment against Eli Feldstein and Ari Rosenfeld concerning the leak of secret documents. He faces charges including conveying secret information with intent to harm national security, conveying secret information, possessing secret information, and destroying evidence. The Tel Aviv District Court previously rejected the prosecution's request to bar Uriach from the Prime Minister's office and secure facilities, and to prohibit contact with those involved in the "Bild" affair.