Attorney General Moves to Charge Netanyahu Advisor Yonatan Urich in "Sinwar Document" Leak Scandal

Less than three hours after announcing pending charges against the Israel Prison Service commissioner, Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara delivered another bombshell: Yonatan Urich, a senior advisor to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, will also face criminal charges pending a hearing.

The State Attorney’s Office has notified Urich that he is under consideration for indictment in the "Bild affair"—also dubbed the "secret documents scandal"—for serious national security offenses: providing secret information with intent to harm state security, possession of classified materials, and destruction of evidence.

Alleged Leak of IDF Intelligence to Foreign Media

According to the allegations, Urich collaborated with Eli Feldstein, the former spokesperson for the Prime Minister, to leak highly classified intelligence from IDF systems. The materials, obtained through sensitive intelligence methods, were reportedly published by Bild, a German newspaper, on September 6, 2024.

The leaked “Sinwar Document,” allegedly authored by Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar, contained strategic guidance for manipulating hostage negotiations with Israel, including disturbing instructions such as "how to torture families of hostages" and "how to manipulate the international community." The document warned that its release could severely harm Israel's operational goals, hostage recovery efforts, and military campaigns in Gaza.

Political Motives and Public Influence Alleged

The release of the document, investigators say, was part of a broader effort to influence public opinion during a politically sensitive time—shortly after the August 2024 killing of six abductees in a Rafah tunnel. Prosecutors allege that Urich and Feldstein aimed to shift the national discourse and bolster support for the Prime Minister amid mounting public demonstrations.

The Central District Attorney’s Office is handling the case.

Defense: “Baseless and Politically Timed”

Urich’s legal team, Attorneys Amit Hadad and Noa Milstein, issued a firm denial:

“Yonatan Urich denies all claims attributed to him. He never possessed or provided secret information and certainly did not harm state security. This is a baseless accusation, timed for maximum political damage. His innocence will be proven beyond a doubt.”

Government Allies Slam Attorney General

The decision drew swift backlash from senior government officials.

Communications Minister Shlomo Karai accused Baharav-Miara of acting out of personal bias:

“The Attorney General, in a fit of rage, is shooting in all directions. She’ll be held accountable for her abuses. Start packing your bags—an investigative committee will examine your bullying and selective enforcement.”

MK Simcha Rothman, Chair of the Knesset Constitution, Law and Justice Committee, echoed the criticism:

“Baharav-Miara is destroying the legitimacy of her office. She defies court orders, skips Knesset hearings, and lacks any moral authority to prosecute. I will continue fighting until we have an Attorney General committed to the law—not political vendettas.”

Feldstein Seeks Release Amid New Developments

The new developments may impact proceedings against Eli Feldstein, currently under house arrest. His attorneys, Oded Saburai and Sion Hausman, argued that their client’s case must be reconsidered:

“It’s time the prosecution acknowledged that Feldstein acted with the understanding that the leak was sanctioned—possibly even by the Prime Minister himself. The indictment should be reexamined, and Feldstein should be released immediately, like Urich.”

Feldstein’s hearing to modify the terms of his house arrest is scheduled for Tuesday at the Tel Aviv District Court.

Timeline of the "Sinwar Document" Scandal

• August 2024: Six Israeli abductees are killed in a Hamas-controlled tunnel in Rafah.

• Early September: Mass protests erupt in Israel amid public outrage.

• September 6: Bild publishes the alleged “Sinwar Document” leak, revealing Hamas strategies on hostage negotiations.

• Following Days: The document is cited by Netanyahu, his wife Sara Netanyahu, and others to shape public and diplomatic narratives.

• Later Revelations: A related article in The Jewish Chronicle is proven false; the paper issues an apology and retracts it.

Investigators assert that the leaked “Sinwar Document” was authentic and highly classified. Its exposure, they warn, endangered not only Israel’s hostage recovery efforts but also ongoing IDF and Shin Bet operations against Hamas in Gaza and beyond.