Senior Shin Bet Official Detained Over Classified Leak as Tensions Grow Between Government and Security Establishment

A high-ranking official in the Shin Bet internal security agency, referred to in official documents as “Aleph,” has been taken into custody on suspicion of leaking classified information to a senior government minister and select members of the media. The arrest, which was kept under wraps for several days due to a court-issued gag order, has sparked political turmoil and sharpened the already strained relationship between Israel’s political leadership and its security services.

The sensitive information allegedly shared by Aleph pertains to two major matters. The first involves an internal Shin Bet investigation into claims that extreme nationalist ideologies—specifically those affiliated with Kahanist elements—have infiltrated the Israel Police. This matter has direct relevance to the office of National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir, who has faced criticism for promoting appointments aligned with far-right views. The second matter reportedly relates to findings from an as-yet-unpublished investigation into the failures that led to the devastating October 7 Hamas terror attack, in which over 1,200 Israelis were murdered and more than 250 taken captive.

Aleph’s attorney stated in court that his client had not acted out of personal or political motivations, but rather from a sense of duty, believing the information to be of national importance. Nevertheless, the prosecution has claimed that the leaks compromised national security and breached the trust placed in him as a member of the Shin Bet’s sensitive operations.

This incident has intensified a broader campaign of criticism against Shin Bet chief Ronen Bar, with members of the governing coalition accusing him of leading the agency in a politicized manner. In particular, some coalition members have charged that Bar, along with Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara, has acted as part of what they have dubbed a “Deep State” seeking to undermine the elected government. Senior figures in Prime Minister Netanyahu’s Likud party have gone so far as to demand Bar’s resignation, claiming that he no longer commands the confidence of the government.

In response to these developments, the Supreme Court issued a temporary injunction preventing any immediate moves to dismiss Bar, as petitions challenging his potential removal are reviewed. Notably, Bar has acknowledged the agency’s shortcomings in failing to anticipate the Hamas attack, and has indicated his intention to step down before the conclusion of his term. However, he has asserted that the Prime Minister faces a conflict of interest and has declined to accept blame for the events of October 7.

Some observers suggest that the government’s campaign against Bar is partly motivated by efforts to deflect attention from other sensitive investigations, including inquiries into potential financial links between individuals close to the Prime Minister and foreign entities such as Qatar.

The episode has further deepened the rift between the political echelon and the nation’s security and judicial institutions. Large public demonstrations have erupted in recent days, with protestors expressing concern over what they view as attempts to erode the independence and professionalism of Israel’s vital institutions. Within the Shin Bet itself, unease reportedly continues to grow over the ongoing politicization of security issues and the public targeting of senior officials.

As the case against Aleph proceeds under heavy judicial scrutiny, and with significant national implications at stake, the incident is being closely watched by both political insiders and a concerned public.