Ex-IDF Aide Suspected of Illegally Taking Classified Protocols

Tzachi Braverman, the former Chief of Staff, is under investigation for allegedly systematically collecting approximately 30 classified protocols in the month following the October 7th Hamas attacks. These sensitive documents reportedly included materials from security discussions concerning Gaza and Hamas, and were allegedly taken without authorization and in violation of procedures. The investigation, being conducted by Lahav 433, suggests Braverman's actions were aimed at influencing the public narrative surrounding the events.

Further details emerging from the probe indicate that the collected protocols pertained directly to the period preceding October 7th. The former Military Secretary to the Prime Minister, Maj. Gen. Avi Gil, testified that an "unusual effort" to collect protocols began two to three weeks into the war. Gil stated that he was informed of this effort, which he described as being conducted "contrary to procedures," and that he personally notified the State Attorney at the time, advising her not to act on it immediately due to the ongoing war.

Separately, a "sabotage conversation" transcript was revealed, involving Braverman entering the Prime Minister's Office stenographer's room. He allegedly requested to alter the recorded time of a conversation between Gil and Prime Minister Netanyahu from 7:00 AM on October 7th to 6:29 AM. This alteration would have created the impression that Netanyahu received a full operational report immediately upon the start of the Hamas attack.

The case has now been transferred to the State Attorney for a decision on whether to file charges against Braverman. Key questions facing prosecutors include why Braverman was focused on October 7th stenography in January, why he acted against explicit written instructions from the State Attorney regarding protocol handling, and why he insisted on altering the record despite warnings from the stenographer.