Israel PM’s Chief of Staff Accused of Blackmailing IDF Officer

Tzachi Braverman, chief of staff to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, was identified on Sunday as the official suspected of blackmailing an IDF officer to alter wartime meeting records. According to Kan, a public broadcaster, Braverman allegedly threatened the officer with sensitive video footage obtained from security cameras in the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO). The broadcaster also reported that several PMO employees were permitted to view the recording.

Braverman Denies Allegations

In a statement, Braverman denied any involvement, calling the accusations “false” and “defamatory.” He stated that he had neither obtained any such video nor attempted to use it as leverage, dismissing the allegations as “a lie from start to finish” intended to damage him and the PMO during wartime.

Complaints and Investigations

Several months prior, a complaint was reportedly filed with IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Herzi Halevi, alleging that the PMO was inappropriately using sensitive footage of an IDF officer. An official in Netanyahu’s circle reportedly informed Halevi that the officer was in an inappropriate relationship with a PMO employee. While an army investigation confirmed that no abuse of power was involved, Channel 13 reported that PMO officials confiscated the employee’s phone under suspicion of leaks but ultimately used it to access her private conversations with the officer.

Police Questioning of PMO Staff

The controversy deepened as police questioned numerous PMO employees concerning multiple allegations connected to the office. Police collected testimonies from employees at the PMO offices in Jerusalem, as reported by Channel 13.

Context of a Larger Scandal: Security Leaks and Document Theft

The accusations against Braverman are part of a broader scandal involving leaks and theft of sensitive information within the PMO. The Prime Minister’s Office has denied all such allegations, condemning the investigations as a politically motivated “witch hunt.” Netanyahu has not been personally accused in these investigations.

IDF Officers Detained in Connection to Leaks

Four IDF servicemembers and a former spokesperson for Netanyahu, Eli Feldstein, have been detained as part of an inquiry into the theft of classified army intelligence documents. At least one of these documents was allegedly leaked to the foreign press. The Rishon Lezion Magistrate’s Court recently disclosed that the leak compromised efforts to secure a deal to bring back hostages held by Hamas.

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Alleged Efforts to Alter Records and Shred Documents

Reports suggest that Netanyahu’s aides may have used sensitive footage to pressure a military officer to adjust records from a security meeting on October 6-7, 2023 — the eve of the Hamas attack on southern Israel. Additionally, Ynet reported that attempts were made to edit minutes of discussions concerning Israel’s preparations for a case before the International Court of Justice.

No Arrests Yet in Blackmail Allegations

To date, no arrests have been made in connection with the alleged blackmail attempt to alter records. The investigation has, however, resulted in the detention of individuals tied to the theft of classified information.

History of Document Mishandling at the PMO

This is not the first time Braverman has faced accusations related to wartime records. Weeks after the October 7 attacks, Haaretz reported that Braverman admitted to shredding documents within the PMO. This incident led Attorney-General Gali Baharav-Miara to direct National Security Council Chief Tzachi Hanegbi to retrieve the documents.

Conclusion

The ongoing investigations into blackmail, leaks, and record manipulation within Netanyahu’s circle have cast a shadow over Israel’s leadership at a critical moment. As the war with Hamas continues, the Israeli public and legal authorities are left to grapple with the ramifications of these allegations.

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