There wasn't a dry eye in the courtroom today when Eliezer Feldstein, looking noticeably thinner after weeks in detention, finally got to see his father. "Dad, don't cry," the former Netanyahu aide called out, breaking down himself during his first court appearance since being arrested for allegedly leaking classified documents about hostage negotiations.
The emotional reunion highlighted what turned into a dramatic showdown between the judge and the Shin Bet security service. Despite claiming they weren't really involved in the hearing, the Shin Bet was caught trying to micromanage everything - even blocking Feldstein from shaking hands with his family after the judge gave permission.
The judge wasn't having any of it. When the Shin Bet again tried to interfer, and to stop Feldstein's family from meeting with relatives of his co-detainee (an anti-reserve duty protester), the judge shut them down and allowed the meeting to happen anyway: "In this courtroom, you have no such authority. This is my domain. The family can see and even speak to their son."
Family members say Feldstein has dropped about 15 kilos since being arrested in what's being called one of Israel's biggest security breach cases. He's accused of leaking sensitive documents to derail hostage negotiations with Hamas back in September.
The emotional toll of the detention was evident during the brief family reunion. The reservist's wife and mother-in-law spoke of his resilience, saying, "No one can take away the light in his eyes, his smile. He knows all of Israel stands behind him, and that will prevail."
Attorney Uri Korev, representing the military reservist, made a stunning statement outside the courtroom. "When the facts come to light, the ground will shake," he declared, adding that after reviewing the evidence, he was "shocked by the system's conduct" and couldn't understand why they were seeking continued detention.
Heritage Minister Amichai Eliyahu voiced serious concerns at today's hearing. "I find it deeply troubling that we're investigating patriotic soldiers who shared security information with the Prime Minister, rather than those who attempted to conceal information from him," Eliyahu stated at the courthouse. "We have a situation where individuals are making crucial national security decisions without the Prime Minister's knowledge - this, combined with what appears to be a politically motivated investigation, is extremely concerning."
Outside the courthouse, supporters gathered to demand both detainees be released. Meanwhile, Judge Alla Masarwa ordered Feldstein and his co-defendant to remain in custody pending further notice, citing deep divisions between prosecution and defense positions. The next hearing will take place next Wednesday.
With public sentiment firmly on Feldstein's side, and increasing fury about his harsh detention conditions and why his case is being over-prosecuted, Gali Baharav-Miara is like a dog with a bone. It doesn't matter which facts she sees or what privileged information she knows, she is determined to take Feldstein down, even if it costs her her career.
