Exposed Messages Reveal Close Coordination Between Israeli Officials During Iran Strike Night

Leaked communications published by Channel 13 on Wednesday reveal the close coordination and direct instructions given by Tzachi Braverman, Chief of Staff, to Eli Feldstein, former advisor in the Prime Minister's Office, during the dramatic Israeli strike in Iran in October 2024. On the night of the attack, while the political echelon managed the war, Feldstein updated Braverman on media reports about the strike and sought approval for communication actions. The messages show Braverman explicitly instructed Feldstein to brief against then-Defense Minister Yoav Galant following the publication of a photo from Galant's office, which was considered embarrassing by the Prime Minister's Office.

Feldstein sent Braverman a screenshot indicating Israel's strike in Iran and asked if he should go public with it. Braverman replied to hold off. When Feldstein inquired about a phone cabinet meeting, Braverman confirmed it had taken place. Feldstein then highlighted the "embarrassing" photo from Galant's office, sending it to Braverman, who responded with an order to "brief on it." Feldstein acknowledged and continued to share media coverage, telling Braverman, "Let me work, I just started with him."

Last week, the Civil Service Commission held a Zoom hearing for Braverman amid intentions by the prosecution and legal advisor to indict him on charges including fraud, breach of trust, and obstruction of justice. The prosecution and disciplinary department recommended a six-month suspension, which blocked his appointment as ambassador to the UK. Following this, Netanyahu's circle considered securing him a spot on the Likud list, but Prime Minister's advisors opposed, fearing damage to the party.

The indictment against Braverman relates to suspicions that in October 2024, upon learning of a covert investigation into the leak of classified documents to the German newspaper Bild, he summoned Feldstein for an urgent late-night meeting in his car at the Kirya parking lot. Braverman read out names of suspects, including opposition figure Ari Rosenfeld, asking if they were involved and stating, "If so, I can shut it down." Feldstein denied involvement, and they parted ways. The investigation later became public, leading to serious indictments against Feldstein, Rosenfeld, and Netanyahu's senior advisor Yonatan Orich.