Netanyahu Aide's Legal Choice Angers PM's Circle, Report Says
Translated & summarized from Kipa by baba
Ofer Vinter's alleged recommendation to Eli Feldstein, a former Netanyahu aide, to hire a different lawyer has reportedly angered the Prime Minister's circle. Feldstein, investigated for leaking classified documents, was advised by Vinter to avoid Netanyahu's lawyer, Amit Haddad, and instead hire Oded Sabarai for independent representation. This move has fueled suspicion towards Vinter, despite his potential to help Netanyahu's bloc in upcoming elections.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Ofer Vinter allegedly advised Eli Feldstein to avoid Benjamin Netanyahu's lawyer, Amit Haddad.
- Feldstein, a former Netanyahu aide, was investigated for leaking classified documents to German newspaper Bild.
- Vinter recommended lawyer Oded Sabarai to represent Feldstein's independent interests.
- The choice of a different lawyer reportedly angered Netanyahu's associates.
- Vinter's potential entry into the Knesset could benefit Netanyahu's political bloc.
Tensions between Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's associates and Ofer Vinter are reportedly escalating ahead of the upcoming elections, according to a Channel 12 report. The friction stems from Vinter's alleged intervention during the arrest of Eli Feldstein, a former spokesperson for Netanyahu, who was investigated for leaking classified documents to the German newspaper Bild.
Following Feldstein's arrest in October 2024, his family consulted with Vinter, who had previously commanded Feldstein and was considered close to him. Vinter reportedly advised the family against hiring Amit Haddad, who also represents Netanyahu, and instead recommended Oded Sabarai, suggesting Sabarai would better represent Feldstein's independent interests. Vinter allegedly told Feldstein's father, "Only not lawyer Amit Haddad. Eli needs someone who will take care of him and go the straight path, not someone who will take care of Netanyahu. You need to take care of your son, not his boss. If you want the truth to come out, then with Amit Haddad it will not come out, it will come out the opposite."
The family followed Vinter's advice and hired Sabarai. This choice and Feldstein's independent legal strategy reportedly angered those around the Prime Minister. Later, during the interrogation of Netanyahu confidant Yonatan Uriach, he was asked why Feldstein would lie, responding, "I can only estimate that it is because he has a lawyer who gives him bad advice."
The report suggests Vinter's interference is the reason for the conflict, though this has not been independently proven. The tension gains political significance as polls indicate Vinter's potential entry into the Knesset could benefit Netanyahu's bloc. Despite this, suspicion towards Vinter persists, even as he declares his support for Netanyahu's premiership.
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