Israel's War Cabinet Accused of Manipulating Records and Controlling Narrative
Translated & summarized from Ynet by baba
An Israeli report alleges Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office actively worked to control the narrative surrounding the October 7th attacks and the ensuing war. This included allegedly suppressing recordings, altering official protocols, and selectively releasing classified information. Efforts were made to manage even handwritten notes during meetings, and reservists were reportedly mobilized to help construct Netanyahu's defense case. The report also details the withholding or removal of sensitive Hamas documents that could contradict Netanyahu's public statements, alongside alleged intimidation of critical journalists.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Prime Minister Netanyahu's office is accused of manipulating war records and controlling the narrative post-October 7th.
- Early war recordings critical of Netanyahu's staff were allegedly suppressed and later recording systems deactivated.
- Allegations include attempts to stop note-taking during meetings and alter official call timestamps.
- Reservists were reportedly mobilized to help build Netanyahu's defense case using classified documents.
- Sensitive Hamas documents contradicting Netanyahu's statements have allegedly been withheld or removed from access.
- Journalists critical of Netanyahu face investigations into their sources, allegedly to intimidate them.
An Israeli news report details allegations of a concerted effort by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office to control the narrative surrounding the October 7th attacks and the subsequent war. This effort allegedly involved suppressing recordings, altering protocols, and selectively releasing information to shape public memory.
Early in the war, discussions held in the secure "Bunker" at IDF headquarters were reportedly recorded, capturing harsh criticisms from Netanyahu's staff towards the military on October 7th itself. However, these recordings were allegedly buried, and the recording system in the bunker was later deactivated, with discussions moved to the Prime Minister's office where documentation was handled by his staff.
Further allegations suggest attempts to control even handwritten notes during meetings. In one instance, then-Defense Minister Yoav Gallant's aide was reportedly told by Netanyahu to stop writing during a cabinet meeting. The report also claims that protocols were altered, citing an example where former Military Secretary Avi Gill alleged that former Chief of Staff Tzachi Braverman attempted to change the timestamp of a crucial early morning call on October 7th to portray Netanyahu as acting more decisively.
The report also highlights the extensive collection of documents, including classified intelligence, by reservists mobilized by Netanyahu's office to build his defense case. This effort culminated in a 55-page booklet published by Netanyahu, which critics claim selectively quoted and distorted information from secret materials, including Hamas documents, to support his narrative. The article notes that some Hamas documents, which contradict Netanyahu's public statements about Hamas's deterrence and intentions, have been withheld or removed from public access.
Additionally, the report details efforts to intimidate journalists who publish critical information, with investigations launched by the National Security Directorate (Malmab) and the Shin Bet into sources of leaks. This is contrasted with a lack of action on leaks that favor Netanyahu. The article suggests a pattern of controlling information to manage historical memory and protect the Prime Minister's political standing.