Netanyahu adviser to be indicted for leaking classified documents, destroying evidence

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's adviser, Yonatan Urich, is set to be indicted on charges of leaking classified information and destroying evidence, marking a significant development in a sensitive criminal case emerging from the war.

Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara and chief prosecutor Amit Aisman decided to proceed with the indictment after rejecting Urich's arguments during a pre-indictment hearing. The charges include delivering secret information with the intent to harm state security, possessing secret information, and destroying evidence. The indictment is expected to be filed shortly in the Tel Aviv District Court.

The case centers on a classified IDF intelligence document that was published by the German newspaper Bild in September 2024. This publication occurred days after the discovery of murdered hostages in a Gaza tunnel and amidst widespread protests demanding a deal for the remaining captives. The document was widely interpreted as bolstering Netanyahu's stance on maintaining Israeli control of the Philadelphi Corridor and prioritizing military pressure over concessions to Hamas.

Urich, a long-time confidant of Netanyahu, faces accusations that could cast a shadow over the handling of classified intelligence within the prime minister's wartime communications circle. His legal team has asserted that Urich acted lawfully and that his "only sin was working for Netanyahu."

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Yonatan Urich acted lawfully; his only sin was working for Netanyahu