Tzachi Braverman, who is the chief of staff to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, allegedly blackmailed a military officer in order get the minutes of a wartime meeting changed, according to local media reports.
Braverman allegedly blackmailed the Israel Defense Force (IDF) officer with a sensitive video that was collected from the security cameras in the Prime Minister's Office, reported KAN public broadcaster. Other PMO employees were reportedly allowed to watch the video.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu met today, at the Kirya in Tel Aviv, with IDF Chief-of-Staff Lt.-Gen. Herzi Halevi.
— Prime Minister of Israel (@IsraeliPM) September 24, 2024
Also participating in the meeting were the Prime Minister's Military Secretary, Maj.-Gen. Roman Gofman, and his Chief-of-Staff, Tzachi Braverman. pic.twitter.com/4bjv6tuUdr
However, the accused official has termed the allegations as "false and defamatory". Braverman also claimed that he did not collect any such recording or blackmail him. Calling it a lie from start to finish, he said the goal is to harm him and the PMO.
Who is Tzachi Braverman?
Born on March 7, 1959, Tzachi Braverman studied at Bar-Ilan University. In June 2021, he was appointed the government secretary following Netanyahu's recommendation. He was responsible for liasing between the government and the Israeli parliament Knesset.
This is not the first time Braverman is sparking controversy. Earlier he allegedly threatened to advance bills to weaken the justice system if the members of Israel's judicial section panel did not promote his wife, who is a judge.
Regarding the latest allegations, Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara has authorised authorities to go ahead with the investigation related to Netanyahu.
Earlier, KAN public broadcaster reported that classified information was leaked deliberately to influence the public perception about the hostage negotiations.
However, the PMO earlier claimed that the leaked document did not reach Netanyahu's office from the military.
