Shin Bet Withheld Key Data in Netanyahu Aide Investigation for Over a Year

The Shin Bet security agency withheld crucial information from police for over a year regarding how Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's chief of staff, Tzachi Braverman, learned about a secret investigation into officials in the Prime Minister's Office. The report by Kan-11 television details the investigation into Braverman's alleged "night meeting" with former PMO staffer Eli Feldstein in a secure parking garage. Investigators suspect Braverman received advance knowledge of the probe and potential suspects before Feldstein's arrest, which could have allowed him to obstruct the investigation.

The Shin Bet intended to conduct a investigative action requiring the Prime Minister's approval, which was relayed through Braverman. This meant the Shin Bet knew the information had reached the Prime Minister's Office, but they did not inform the police. According to Kan-11, the Shin Bet failed to share this information even after Feldstein claimed in interrogations to have been tipped off by a senior official, after an interview with Kan-11, and after the investigation became public and Braverman was questioned.

Without this data, police initially suspected a leak from the IDF, leading to the questioning of a senior officer in the Chief of Staff's office. The Shin Bet has yet to explain its year-long delay in providing the information, which ultimately aided investigators in reconstructing events and forming the basis for a draft indictment.