Exposed Messages Reveal Close Ties and Directives Between Eli Feldstein and Tzachi Braverman During 2024 Iran Strike

Channel 13 News revealed communications showing the close relationship and direct instructions given by Tzachi Braverman, then Chief of Staff, to Eli Feldstein, former advisor in the Prime Minister's Office, during the dramatic night of Israel's October 2024 strike on Iran. On the night of the attack, while political leadership managed the war, Feldstein updated Braverman on media reports about the strike and sought approval for communication actions. The messages reveal Braverman explicitly instructed Feldstein to brief against then-Defense Minister Yoav Galant following the leak of a photo from Galant's office, which was seen as embarrassing by the Prime Minister's Office.

Feldstein sent Braverman a screenshot with a caption about the Iran strike asking if he should "go to the Kirya" (military headquarters). Braverman replied "No, rest." When Feldstein asked about a phone cabinet meeting, Braverman confirmed it had occurred. Feldstein then sent a photo related to the "embarrassment" in Galant's office, and Braverman instructed him to "brief on it." Feldstein responded, "Of course," and later said, "Let me work, I just started with him."

Last Monday, the Civil Service Commission held a hearing via Zoom to consider suspending Braverman from public service following the indictment filed against him. This was a second hearing after a previous one where no decision was made. The prosecution has charged Braverman with fraud, breach of trust, and obstruction of justice, pending the hearing outcome. Earlier, the prosecution recommended his suspension for six months, which would prevent him from serving as Israel's ambassador to the UK. Netanyahu's circle considered placing Braverman on the Likud party list for upcoming elections, but some advisors opposed, fearing damage to the party's image.

According to suspicions, in October 2024, Braverman learned of a covert investigation into the leak of classified information to the German newspaper Bild. He urgently met with Feldstein at the Kirya base parking lot late at night, questioned him about names on a list including Ari Rosenfeld, and asked if the investigation involved them. Feldstein denied involvement. The investigation later became public with the arrests and indictments of Feldstein and Rosenfeld, accusing Rosenfeld of passing the secret to Feldstein, who then facilitated its publication. Subsequently, an indictment was also filed against Jonathan Urich, a senior advisor to Netanyahu.