Former Netanyahu Chief of Staff Denies All Charges in Secret Night Meeting Case

A conditional indictment has been filed against Tzachi Braverman, former chief of staff to Benjamin Netanyahu, on suspicion of fraud and breach of trust related to a secret late-night meeting at the Kirya military compound. Braverman vehemently denies all allegations, describing them as "complete fabrications" and minimizing the role of Eli Feldstein, Netanyahu's former security spokesperson, whom he labeled a "passing visitor" rather than a close associate.

The case stems from a leak of classified intelligence documents to the German newspaper Bild by Feldstein, which bypassed Israeli censorship and endangered IDF intelligence sources. Following the leak, the Shin Bet launched an investigation to identify the source. Braverman was involved when the Shin Bet sought Netanyahu's approval to use covert measures against suspects, including Feldstein and others close to Netanyahu.

Braverman contacted Feldstein multiple times, culminating in a clandestine meeting on a Saturday night at 11:37 p.m. in the Kirya's underground parking lot, a location with no cellular reception. Police tracking data confirmed the meeting, which lasted about 14 minutes. Feldstein testified that Braverman showed him a handwritten list of names and claimed he could "turn off" the investigation, statements Braverman denies entirely.

During police interrogation, Braverman repeatedly dismissed the allegations as lies and inconsistencies, asserting that the meeting was routine and that the practice of leaving phones outside meeting rooms was standard procedure. He also rejected any significant working relationship with Feldstein, describing him as a casual visitor rather than a colleague. An official confrontation between Braverman and Feldstein in custody highlighted their conflicting testimonies, with Braverman accusing Feldstein of being a "brazen liar." The investigation continues as the legal process advances.