Israeli authorities have arrested Peter Hounam, the British journalist who published the secrets of the Israeli nuclear whistleblower Mordechai Vanunu.
A gag order was placed on the details of the arrest and the reasons remain open to speculation, some saying he was arrested for security-related offenses.
Hounam had been in Israel for more than a month when he was arrested on Wednesday night, reportedly by the police and the Shin Bet, Israel’s internal security agency. He was staying in a hotel in eastern Jerusalem.
Hounam studied physics and his vast knowledge in the field was helpful in questioning Vanunu, the former technician at Israel’s alleged nuclear facility in Dimona, about Israel’s nuclear capabilities. He went public with Vanunu’s story in The Sunday Times in 1986.
Hounam is considered a close friend of Vanunu and was active in the struggle for his release throughout Vanunu’s 18-year imprisonment.
Vanunu was released from Israeli prison on April 21, 2004 after completing his sentence. Among other limitations, Israel banned Vanunu from talking with foreigners, including Hounam, without permission from the authorities.
Former Director of Israel’s Government Press Office Yossi Olmert told Israel Radio that it was a mistake to arrest the journalist without coordinating details of the incident with Israel’s information authorities.
UK officials were notified of the arrest and are reportedly looking into the matter.
Hounam was scheduled to meet on Wednesday with Yael Lotan, an activist on a committee supporting Vanunu’s case and opposing Israel’s alleged nuclear program. He failed to arrive at the meeting and Lotan then discovered he had been arrested.
Hounam left The Sunday Times a few years ago and is working as a freelance reporter, writer and film producer.
Director of Israel’s Government Press Office Daniel Seaman said the office has nothing to say on the matter.