Investigation Reveals Netanyahu Aides' Role in Media Manipulation and Attacks on IDF Chief
New investigative materials have shed light on the behind-the-scenes operations of the media and public relations team within Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office. Central to the revelations are the close communications between Eli Feldstein, Jonathan Orich, and Netanyahu's spokesperson Topaz Luk, who coordinated messaging strategies described internally as "mixing" or "creating reality." On October 7, 2023, Feldstein offered Luk advice on how Netanyahu should present himself to the public, emphasizing a "combat mood" without formal attire. Luk responded sarcastically, questioning Feldstein's attempt to "teach him how to mix." Feldstein, officially recruited on October 11 by the Prime Minister's Office director-general, frequently hosted Luk at his home for consultations, including a strategic meeting at a friend's villa on October 12.
The investigation exposes a deliberate campaign by Netanyahu's office to undermine IDF Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi. On December 17, 2023, Orich drafted a false leak attributed to Minister Ofir Akunis criticizing Halevi for missing government meetings since the war began, despite Halevi only being excluded from regular government sessions but attending the security cabinet. Akunis denied the harsh wording. In June 2024, Feldstein and Orich continued efforts to push Halevi out, with Feldstein drafting a journalist query suggesting Defense Minister Yoav Galant was discussing Halevi's replacement behind his back.
The documents also reveal cynical tactics in handling families of hostages and public criticism. In November 2023, Feldstein advised feeding Netanyahu selective information about some families to appear caring and knowledgeable during a war cabinet meeting. Ahead of a State Comptroller report on prime ministerial residence expenses totaling about 56 million shekels, Feldstein warned Orich to aggressively counter claims about Netanyahu's 27 million shekel share, admitting, "I have no way to explain it, so I attack." They sought to shift blame onto former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett, even orchestrating a politically motivated question from Channel 14 journalist Moti Kastel.
A particularly striking aspect is the direct control exerted over political commentator and presenter Yaakov Bardugo. In May 2024, Feldstein and Orich dictated detailed talking points for Bardugo to attack the IDF Chief on air, including claims that Halevi should resign. This direct interference was exposed in October 2024 when Bardugo accidentally sent raw instructions from the Prime Minister's Office to Channel 14's digital team, which were publicly posted. The channel later issued a false clarification, but the correspondence clearly shows the Prime Minister's Office orchestrated Bardugo's commentary.
These revelations highlight a systematic and coordinated effort by Netanyahu's inner circle to manipulate public discourse, discredit military leadership, and manage political narratives through media control and misinformation.
