Netanyahu aides under investigation for alleged leak of security footage

Two top aides in Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office are reportedly under investigation for allegedly leaking sensitive surveillance footage, marking a fresh controversy for the embattled Israeli leader as his government grapples with multiple crises.

Local media sources, including Ynet, revealed on Thursday that the aides are suspected of compiling video from security cameras showing a confrontation between Defense Minister Yoav Gallant and security personnel at the Prime Minister’s Office.

The footage was allegedly intended to damage Gallant’s reputation following his dismissal by Netanyahu earlier this week. Netanyahu cited a “loss of mutual trust” during wartime as the reason for Gallant’s abrupt firing.

However, Netanyahu’s office has pushed back against these claims, describing the reports as baseless “defamation.” A spokesperson stressed that no sensitive material had been leaked, accusing the media of trying to undermine the government during a critical time.

The allegations come on the heels of another scandal reported by Haaretz, which exposed the controversial appointment of a new spokesperson for Netanyahu’s office.

According to the report, the spokesperson, who was involved in sensitive security meetings, was hired without obtaining a proper security clearance. The revelations have raised alarms about potential security breaches within Netanyahu’s inner circle.

This wave of internal strife adds to the growing pressures on Netanyahu’s administration, already under fire for its handling of both domestic and military challenges. The dismissal of Gallant, a move that has sparked widespread opposition, comes as Israel intensifies its military offensive against Gaza and southern Lebanon.