‘Israeli’ journalist arrested over Iran ties as secret probe targets senior officials

• Independent ‘Israeli’ journalist arrested on suspicion of contacting an Iranian agent, later released.
• Separate secret security investigation reportedly involves high-ranking officials in ‘Israel’.

An independent ‘Israeli’ journalist was arrested on suspicion of communicating with a foreign agent working for Iran, in what police described as a security-related case, according to 'Israeli' Channel 12.

The Jerusalem District Police detained the journalist after suspicions arose that unknown parties had contacted him via social media, asking him to document Haredi Jewish demonstrations and film streets in central Jerusalem.

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Police requested an eight-day extension to hold the journalist for further questioning. The Magistrate Court granted only a few additional days, and he was released to his home after his lawyer successfully appealed to the Central Court.

Lawyer defends client

Lawyer Nati Rom, representing the journalist, told the court that her client reported his suspicions to the police’s cybercrime unit as soon as he doubted the identity of the contacting parties.

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“He completely refused any cooperation with these entities, even when he had only the slightest doubt that they were hostile,” Rom said. She emphasized that his actions were motivated by caution, not complicity.

Over recent months, the ‘Israeli’ police and Shin Bet have arrested several citizens for alleged espionage on behalf of Iran.

Secret investigation of senior officials

Separately, the ‘Israeli’ public broadcaster reported a sensitive security investigation into the misuse of classified information, potentially involving senior figures in the security establishment.

Sources told the broadcaster that authorities are examining the scope of involvement and the nature of the security data used, under strict confidentiality due to the potential implications for central security institutions. No names have been publicly disclosed.

The probe follows similar cases over recent months. In January, police briefly detained Tzahi Braverman, director of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office, on suspicion of obstructing an investigation into leaked classified documents.

Police also summoned Eli Feldstein, former Netanyahu spokesperson, for allegedly providing a classified document in 2024 to Germany’s Bild newspaper to influence public opinion against protests demanding a prisoner swap deal with Hamas. Feldstein reportedly attempted to leak the same document to Channel 12, but military censors blocked its publication.

The developments highlight ongoing concerns within ‘Israel’ over espionage, information security, and potential misuse of sensitive intelligence at high levels of government.