Thursday, April 08, 2010

Journalist Stole 2,000 Classified Documents while Serving in IDF

A7 News

A top secret case involving national security that was kept under wraps by the IDF censor for a week but was published in the international media was authorized for publication this morning. It involved the theft of 2,000 secret IDF documents by a former soldier who worked as a journalist for the left wing Hebrew language news website, Walla. Some details still remain classified, as the investigation by police, Shabak (Israel Security Agency) and IDF Information Security Department continues.

Despite protests by the Israeli media over the past several days, the State Prosecution insisted that the investigation remain under a gag order, for two reasons: To exhaust all possibilities of recovering the documents, and in order to prevent interference with the ongoing investigation of what appear to be the very grave crimes committed in this case. Finally, under pressure from Israel Press Council Chairperson and former Supreme Court Justice Dalia Dorner and others, and in light of developments in the case, the Prosecution has given in and withdrawn its demand for secrecy.

The State Prosecution says it was guided throughout the investigation by the overriding need to ensure that the secret documents not find their way into enemy hands.

The facts that are permitted for publication are as follows:

Journalist Anat Kam is accused of stealing over 2,000 IDF documents, many hundreds of which are termed “secret” and “top secret.” The alleged crimes occurred when she served as a soldier clerking in the IDF military - specifically, in the office of the Commander of the Central District - three years ago.

She allegedly handed over many of the “top secret” and “secret” documents to Haaretz reporter Uri Blau. Blau, who was abroad when the investigation started, has refused thus far to return to Israel for investigation. It is suspected that many of the classified papers are still in his possession – despite an offer made to him that the returned documents would not be used to prosecute him or his source, Anat Kam.

Kam, who was secretly arrested during the investigation, has been indicted in the Tel Aviv District Court. She stands accused of collecting secret information, giving it to unauthorized individuals, and attempting to harm state security.

Some of the documents include detailed plans for military operations, the deployment of IDF forces in routine and emergency situations, operations against terrorist leaders, evaluations, and more.

Comment: Hmm, wonder why the MSM has made this such a huge story re: freedom of speech? Is it not ironic that they frame this event in such a way yet the act of theft of secret documents is given a pass-ah, Left Wingers, you are what you are!

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