A sensitive security investigation involving a Shin Bet (Israel Security Agency) reservist suspected of leaking classified documents to journalists and Diaspora Affairs Minister Amichai Shikli (Likud) was revealed Monday evening following the partial lifting of a publication ban. The affair, which has sparked political uproar and accusations of deep-state overreach, has been under wraps since April 6 due to concerns about potential harm to state security.
The Police Investigations Department (PID) is leading the probe, authorized by the Attorney General following legal provisions allowing investigations into Shin Bet personnel. The arrest of the reservist follows the publication of internal Shin Bet documents by journalist Amit Segal on March 23. These documents reportedly detailed an investigation into suspicions that elements aligned with the far-right ideology known as “Kahanism” had infiltrated the Israeli police hierarchy.
The Shin Bet responded to the publication, stating: “The 'Kach' and 'Kahana Hai' movements were declared unauthorized associations in 1994 and designated terrorist organizations in 2016. The Shin Bet continues to thwart their activities and investigates any indications of their infiltration into state institutions, particularly law enforcement.”
Detainee Held Without Lawyer Access for Days
The arrested reservist, whose rank is said to be roughly equivalent to that of a lieutenant colonel, was detained under a security order that barred him from meeting with legal counsel for several days. The restriction, signed by the Shin Bet, expired only last Monday.
During a court hearing, the Shin Bet requested a 16-day extension of the detention, but the Rishon LeZion Magistrate’s Court approved only an additional eight days. A further request for extension is expected this coming Wednesday.
Alleged Motivation: Public Interest and Transparency
During interrogation, the reservist claimed he acted out of a desire to inform the public on matters of high national interest. He asserted that the information leaked was not confidential and that “the public had a right to know.” The suspect also requested a polygraph test to support his claims.
Leaked documents reportedly include:
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Shin Bet material concerning alleged Kahanist influence in the police
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Internal assessments about events leading up to the October 7 attacks, which the reservist says contradict official findings
One of these documents was shared with journalist Shirit Avitan-Cohen.
The court noted that the leaks were “carried out in a sophisticated manner.”
ISA Statement: “Serious Abuse of Access”
Following the lifting of the gag order, the Israel Security Agency (ISA) issued an official statement: “Despite the gag order, details of the investigation were illegally leaked and distorted. As such, the order was lifted to halt the spread of misinformation. On April 9, a Shin Bet member was arrested on suspicion of security offenses involving unauthorized disclosure of classified information. The suspect exploited his access to Shin Bet systems. No journalists have been interrogated as part of the investigation.”
Political Firestorm
The case has ignited fierce political debate, particularly within the Likud party.
National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir claimed the Shin Bet had launched politically motivated actions: “They collected materials against me, spied on police and IPS officials, fabricated cases against officers loyal to the law—and now they’re targeting journalists? I warned from the start. Ronen Bar, Gali Baharav-Miara, and Keren Bar-Menachem are deep-state operatives crossing every line.”
MK Tali Gottlieb (Likud) defied the publication ban and shared details on social media, accusing Shin Bet Director Ronen Bar of personal vendettas and abuse of power. She cited parliamentary immunity as justification for her actions.
Likud MK Avichai Boaron also violated the gag order, declaring: “This is what ‘democracy’ looks like under the rule of Miara & Bar.”
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