Shin Bet Official Under House Arrest in Leak Probe

A Shin Bet official, referred to as 'Aleph,' is under investigation for leaking classified information concerning an investigation into far-right Kahanist ideology within the police force. Aleph was initially detained, but a court agreed to his release to house arrest. The leak involved information passed to journalists and Diaspora Affairs Minister Amichai Chikli, sparking political tensions. The Justice Ministry’s Department of Internal Police Investigations and Shin Bet are handling the case, which has been partially disclosed after a judge lifted a gag order due to misinformation in the media. The case highlights the ongoing friction between Israel's political leadership and its security and judicial institutions. Critics argue that the investigation is politically motivated, while Aleph's attorney claims the leak was in public interest without compromising national security.