Secret Communications Reveal Israeli PM Office's Media Strategy During October 2024 Iran Airstrikes

Dramatic internal communications from the night of Israel's October 2024 airstrikes on Iran have been revealed, exposing direct orders given to Eli Feldstein, then an advisor and spokesperson in the Prime Minister's Office, by Chief of Staff Tzachi Braverman. The exchanges occurred during the complex "Days of Repentance" operation, when dozens of Israeli Air Force jets targeted Iranian military sites, missile production facilities, and defense systems in response to prior ballistic missile attacks from the Islamic Republic.

While political and military leadership managed the high-stakes operation from Kirya headquarters, Feldstein closely monitored media reports and sought guidance on public messaging. Braverman explicitly instructed Feldstein to brief journalists critically against then-Defense Minister Yoav Galant, following the circulation of a photograph from Galant's office that the Prime Minister's Office considered an embarrassing public relations failure.

The messages show Feldstein asking Braverman whether to go to Kirya, receiving a "no, rest" reply, and confirming that a telephone cabinet meeting had taken place. Upon noticing the controversial photo, Feldstein quickly forwarded it to Braverman, who ordered him to "brief on this." Feldstein acknowledged the directive and later sent Braverman a media clip reflecting the criticism, responding, "Let me work, I just started with him."

This disclosure highlights the tight coordination within the Prime Minister's Office during a sensitive military campaign and the strategic use of media to influence public perception of senior officials amid the operation.