Investigation into Netanyahu Aide Raises Questions Over October 7 Document Alterations

Israeli authorities are investigating Tzachi Braverman for allegedly altering timestamps of calls related to the October 7 Hamas attack, potentially to shift accountability away from Prime Minister Netanyahu. Braverman denies wrongdoing as public scrutiny amplifies amidst ongoing military and intelligence failures owed to the crisis.

The Chief of Staff to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Tzachi Braverman, is under police investigation over allegations of tampering with documents linked to the October 7 Hamas attack, a move that could impact Netanyahu's already precarious position. Reports indicate that Braverman was questioned for over five hours by the Lahav 433 major crimes unit of the Israeli police.

The inquiry centers on two phone calls that Netanyahu received as the Hamas invasion unfolded on October 7, 2023. Braverman is suspected of changing the documented time of the first call from 06:40 to 06:29, allegedly to portray Netanyahu as responding more swiftly to the crisis. According to Israeli media, Braverman maintains that he only altered the time because he was convinced the initial call took place at 06:29. He reportedly stated to detectives, “I know that the first call was received at 06:29, that’s why I insisted on changing it.”

Although Netanyahu received the call from his military secretary Major General Avi Gil at 06:29, he did not issue any directives during that call, instead instructing Gil to call him again at 06:40. It was during this second call, for which Braverman is accused of modifying the timestamp, that Netanyahu allegedly commanded Gil to hold a situational assessment regarding the ongoing attack, according to the Haaretz newspaper.

This incident comes amid what many see as the greatest military and intelligence failure in Israel's history, with several high-ranking military officials resigning in its aftermath. While Netanyahu has consistently denied personal failure, critiques from the public cite him as ultimately accountable for the deadliest assault on Israel since its establishment in 1948.

Multiple investigations are examining both the military and intelligence lapses surrounding the attack, with Netanyahu's administration rejecting claims that he is delaying calls for a robust inquiry. As this potential scandal unfolds, it threatens to further jeopardize Netanyahu's standing, particularly as he simultaneously navigates an ongoing trial concerning corruption charges. He is set to provide testimony next month, regarding what he deems a politically motivated attack on his character.