Prosecutors demand PMO ban for Netanyahu aide Yonatan Urich as indictment expanded

The State Prosecutor's Office has significantly expanded the security case involving the theft and leak of classified intelligence documents, formally naming Yonatan Urich as a key participant. According to the amended indictment, Urich is charged with passing secret information with intent to harm state security, possession of secret material, and destroying evidence. The case centers on the extraction of sensitive information from IDF Intelligence (Aman) systems and its subsequent publication in the German tabloid 'Bild' in late 2024.

The Allegations and the 'Bild' Leak

Prosecutors allege that Urich worked in coordination with Eli Feldstein, a former spokesperson in the Prime Minister's Office, and reserve officer Ari Rosenfeld. The core of the accusation is that Urich ordered the transfer of classified documents to foreign media to shape Israeli public opinion. Specifically, the leaked material was reportedly presented as a Hamas strategy document to support the Prime Minister's narrative that the terror group was not interested in a hostage deal, thereby influencing the domestic debate over ceasefire negotiations.

Legal Restrictions and PMO Access

In light of the charges, the prosecution is requesting stringent restrictive conditions. This includes a total ban on Urich entering the Prime Minister’s Office or any security facility where classified information is held. Furthermore, the State is seeking to prohibit Urich from any direct or indirect contact with other individuals involved in the case, including witnesses and fellow suspects. This move follows previous legal battles where the Attorney General sought to limit Urich's professional activities due to his proximity to the Prime Minister, who is listed as a prosecution witness.

Security and Political Implications

The indictment of a close personal aide to the Prime Minister on charges of intending to harm state security marks a severe escalation in the legal challenges surrounding the PMO. While the defense has previously characterized such investigations as "tailored" or politically motivated, the State Prosecutor emphasizes that the unauthorized handling of top-secret intelligence during wartime poses a direct risk to national security and the integrity of military operations. The court will now have to weigh the prosecution's demand for a total PMO ban against Urich's role as a long-time strategic adviser to Netanyahu.