Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu tried to defend himself in the case of accusations that have been circulating in recent days against his office of deliberately leaking dangerous and sensitive security information.

According to the Israeli Broadcasting Authority, Netanyahu resorted to issuing a statement on Friday afternoon in which he tried to accuse others of being behind dangerous leaks without holding them accountable, at a time when an attempt is being made to distort his office, as he said.

Netanyahu said: It was no coincidence that the prime minister demanded the immediate lifting of the gag order on the investigation, and the ongoing blackout was aimed at distorting my office.

He added: While the Prime Minister's Office did not have any leaks, there were in fact dozens of leaks.

He continued: The media in Israel and abroad published details about the negotiations to recover the kidnapped, from secret meetings in the cabinet and other sensitive forums, and this without questioning anyone, and I wonder why?

The issue addresses the fear of secret information being transmitted in unacceptable ways, which has caused unprecedented tensions between the military and political levels.

Earlier today, Israeli opposition leader Yair Lapid responded to posts about the issue, saying: “The issue is about the heart of the close relationship between the security establishment and the prime minister and his entourage.”

"The prime minister is trying, as usual, to distance himself from the matter and place the responsibility on others, but the facts are the opposite: he is personally responsible for every paper, word or piece of information that leaves his office," Lapid added.

He continued: "We have strong enemies from outside, but the danger coming from within the house and from the most sensitive decision-making centers shakes the foundations of the confidence of the citizens of Israel in the management of the war, and in dealing with the most sensitive issues."