Jerusalem, Israel (Agencies): The Israeli army has expressed strong opposition to the controversial “Feldstein Law,” warning that it poses a severe threat to national security. The law, which was passed by the Knesset in a preliminary reading, grants soldiers and security personnel the authority to share classified information directly with the prime minister or defense minister without prior authorization.
Israeli military spokesperson Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari criticized the law, stating that it could enable junior officers to leak sensitive military documents, endangering the lives of soldiers. Hagari’s comments have sparked controversy and led to a reprimand from Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi, who emphasized that the army does not engage in political criticism but communicates its views through official channels.
The “Feldstein Law,” introduced by Likud Party Knesset members Hanoch Milwidsky and Amit Halevi, has drawn sharp criticism from various quarters, including Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara. She expressed concern that the law constitutes a politically motivated attempt to interfere in an ongoing criminal case linked to individuals close to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
The controversy follows a high-profile case involving leaked military intelligence, where Netanyahu’s security spokesperson Eli Feldstein and an advisor were implicated in the alleged leak of classified documents. The law seeks to shield those involved from charges of “possession of classified information” and “obstruction of justice,” which could carry severe penalties.
The Israeli army’s strong stance against the Feldstein Law highlights the growing rift between the military and the Netanyahu regime, raising concerns about the potential impact on national security and the politicization of intelligence work