Israeli Attorney General to Include Security Charges in 'Ketergate' Indictments

Israeli Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara is expected to rule that the indictment in the 'Ketergate' affair will include security-related offenses. The decision involves charging Jonathan Urich and Eli Feldstein with security crimes, and a conditional indictment is anticipated against a former senior Mossad official suspected in the case. Although the final assessments from the Shin Bet and Mossad have not yet been submitted, the Justice Ministry believes there is sufficient evidence for security charges related to contact with a foreign agent.

About two months ago, it was reported that the Mossad's legal opinion would determine whether to prosecute Prime Minister's Office officials Jonathan Urich, Eli Feldstein, and Sharulik Einhorn on security offenses. Mossad chief Román Gofman, who previously served as Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's military secretary, may face a conflict of interest due to his closeness to the suspects. The Justice Ministry and Prime Minister's Office are examining if this disqualifies him from signing the opinion. The Mossad stated the matter is under review by its legal advisor.

A major contradiction exists between Netanyahu's and Urich's testimonies regarding the handling of classified documents leaked to the German newspaper Bild and the operation of spokespersons in the Prime Minister's Office. Netanyahu denied any direct working relationship with Feldstein, calling him "a nobody," while Urich testified that spokespersons worked directly under Netanyahu's approval, implying the Prime Minister's active involvement in authorizing communications.

Two weeks ago, the prosecution filed an indictment against Urich for leaking classified documents to Bild. The indictment against Feldstein and reservist Ari Rosenfeld for stealing sensitive information from military intelligence systems and publishing it was amended to include Urich. Urich faces charges of intentionally disclosing classified information to harm state security, possession of classified information, and evidence destruction.