Bennett sharply denies ‘Haaretz’ claim that ex-adviser leaked classified information

Former prime minister Naftali Bennett issues an unusual joint statement with Mossad chief David Barnea unequivocally and sharply denying a Haaretz report claiming that his former adviser, Shimrit Meir, leaked classified information about a secret operation.

Bennett and Barnea deny that either of them ever suspected Meir of leaking information nor conducted an investigation into any such leak. Rather, they say, they all were coordinated and working together to publicize the information for “necessary operational reasons.”

They call the Haaretz article “complete nonsense” and say Meir — who sharply criticized Bennett after leaving office — only operated in a fully professional manner and in coordination with Bennett.

The statement also slams the report for being a misogynistic “collection of gossip” fueled by “two disgruntled advisers who should have devoted more of their time to the important work they were entrusted with, and not to jealousy, gossip and internal fights.”

Bennett, who is the current alternate prime minister and is not running in the upcoming election, has maintained a relatively low profile since leaving office.