Netanyahu Aides Manipulate War Messaging and Sow Discord Among Israeli Military Leaders

Leaked communications between senior aides in Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office reveal a coordinated media strategy during the October 7 Hamas attack and its aftermath. The messages, published by i24NEWS on October 11, 2024, show how Netanyahu's team crafted his public image and manipulated narratives to influence public perception and internal military politics.

On the day of the attack, aides debated how Netanyahu should appear to the public, recommending a "combat mode" look without a suit or tie to project seriousness. Eli Feldstein, who officially joined Netanyahu's office four days later, was involved from the start, helping craft messages and advising on personal details about hostages' families to make Netanyahu seem empathetic and informed during meetings.

The aides also worked to deflect criticism, such as shifting blame for expensive prime ministerial residences to former PM Naftali Bennett. Another key tactic was deliberately driving a wedge between then-Defense Minister Yoav Gallant and IDF Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi by leaking stories suggesting Gallant was maneuvering to replace Halevi, aiming to hasten Halevi's resignation.

Further, the team orchestrated media attacks against Halevi, including fabricating criticism attributed to Minister Ofir Akunis, who later denied involvement. They also created false political disputes, such as a fabricated conflict between Bennett and Avigdor Lieberman over party list rankings.

A significant aspect of the operation involved real-time messaging to journalist and commentator Yaakov Bardugo, with aides sending detailed scripts and instructions for broadcasts to shape public discourse. A technical error in October 2024 exposed these direct instructions, contradicting claims that Bardugo acted independently.

These revelations illustrate the extensive and cynical media manipulation by Netanyahu's inner circle during a national crisis, including efforts to influence military leadership dynamics and public opinion through controlled messaging and disinformation.