Netanyahu Accused of Manipulating Intelligence Documents Submitted to State Comptroller

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu may face criminal charges for allegedly manipulating a 55-page document submitted to the State Comptroller regarding intelligence received before October 7. Journalists Ronen Bergman and Yuval Rovitch published a report in "Yedioth Ahronoth" detailing how Netanyahu allegedly selectively used and distorted secret security documents to support his claim of not receiving prior warnings. The report suggests that Netanyahu's document, compiled by Government Secretary Yossi Fuchs and allegedly manipulated by former Bureau Chief Tzachi Braverman, misrepresented the original intelligence.

Specifically, the report highlights instances where Netanyahu quoted fragments of documents, omitting context that contradicted his narrative. For example, a quote from an IDF Research Division head on October 3, 2023, was presented to suggest no multi-front conflict was anticipated, while omitting the subsequent sentences warning of the possibility of such a conflict originating from Lebanon and involving Iran and Hezbollah.

Former Military Secretary to the Prime Minister, Maj. Gen. (res.) Avi Gill, corroborated these findings in an interview with Channel 12, stating the document submitted to the Comptroller did not accurately reflect the discussions he participated in or the original documents. Gill expressed his decision to speak out due to diminishing hopes for a state inquiry commission, vowing to provide his extensive documentation to such a commission if formed.

The report argues that these alleged actions constitute offenses such as disseminating secret information, providing information to an enemy, document forgery, and fraud and breach of trust, urging Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara to launch an immediate criminal investigation. The article also notes that Netanyahu did not consult with relevant security agencies before selectively releasing classified information, as required by law.

Furthermore, the report touches upon the State Comptroller's role, mentioning that former Comptroller Matanyahu Engelman's term ended in July, past the deadline for publishing reports he had begun. The article concludes by emphasizing the Attorney General's obligation to initiate a criminal investigation based on the evidence presented, citing the principle of equality before the law.