Lahav 433 Detains Tzachi Braverman for Questioning in Documents Case

In a development that has captured headlines across Israel, Tzachi Braverman, former chief of staff for the Prime Minister’s Office, was detained for questioning Sunday over his role in the classified documents case. The move comes amid intense public scrutiny and political debate about transparency, accountability, and how sensitive information is handled at the highest levels of government.

Braverman’s detention follows growing calls for a criminal investigation into alleged “treason” within the Prime Minister’s Office. These calls escalated after explosive claims made by Eli Feldstein, former spokesman for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, during a televised interview late in December 2025. Feldstein’s statements have sparked a fierce national conversation about how classified documents were shared and the motives behind their release.

The October Council an organization representing bereaved families, hostage families, October 7 survivors, and IDF reservists urged the Shin Bet to launch an immediate criminal investigation. In an urgent letter to Shin Bet chief David Zini, the council said Feldstein’s comments raised “reasonable suspicion” that senior officials in the prime minister’s office had engaged in activities to influence public discourse, allegedly on behalf of Qatar. Qatar’s complex relationship with Hamas and its role in hostage negotiations have made this allegation especially sensitive.

Feldstein claimed that Netanyahu was aware of and supported the use of classified intelligence to shape public opinion around a hostage deal, directly challenging the prime minister’s public claim that he had no prior knowledge of the document leak to the German tabloid Bild. This direct contradiction has fueled political tensions and intensified public debate.

Meanwhile, MK Merav Ben Ari of Yesh Atid formally requested that Attorney‑General Gali Baharav‑Miara open a criminal probe into Braverman on suspicion of obstruction of justice. Her request cited remarks that Feldstein said were made to him remarks that implicate senior officials in a broader pattern of questionable conduct.

The so‑called “Bild affair” is just one of two major investigations involving figures tied to Netanyahu that have drawn significant attention. The other, known informally as “Qatargate,” examines allegations that senior aides in the Prime Minister’s Office promoted Qatari interests while serving in official capacities even as Qatar’s ties to Hamas remain a point of national concern.

Qatargate initially arose from inquiries into the alleged leak of classified military documents to Bild in September 2024. Authorities have said the leak was meant to influence public discourse about Hamas’s stance on hostage negotiations, in the aftermath of six Israeli hostages being murdered by the terror group. As investigators looked more closely at how the documents were handled, they uncovered what they described as potential improper contacts between Netanyahu’s close advisers and Qatari actors, prompting a broader investigation.

The probe is being led by the Lahav 433 National Crime Unit with assistance from the Shin Bet (Israel Security Agency). At its core are questions about advisory and financial ties between individuals in Netanyahu’s circle and interests linked to Qatar, a nation that has long had a dual role in the region providing humanitarian and diplomatic engagement while maintaining controversial affiliations.

This unfolding situation is a test of Israel’s institutions and legal frameworks. Across the country, citizens and leaders alike watch closely as legal procedures proceed. The rule of law stands at the heart of Israel’s democratic identity, and ensuring that this system functions fairly and transparently strengthens faith in the nation’s future.

Israel is a nation defined by hard choices and unwavering dedication to its principles. Our system demands accountability and fairness for all, regardless of position. If this article spoke to you, consider sharing it with others or subscribing to our newsletter for more insights about Israel and its people.