Eli Feldstein, an indicted former media adviser to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, alleged in a televised interview that the prime minister was aware of — and supported — efforts to use classified intelligence to influence Israeli public opinion regarding hostage negotiations with Hamas.
Speaking to Kan public broadcaster in his first interview since being charged, Feldstein contradicted Netanyahu’s claim that he had no knowledge of the leak of a classified document to the German newspaper Bild. That document was presented as evidence that Hamas was uninterested in a hostage deal.
Feldstein said he informed Netanyahu that he and another senior aide were working to obtain a more recent Hamas memo that could reinforce the government’s narrative that only military pressure would secure the hostages’ release. According to Feldstein, Netanyahu responded positively.
The Bild article, published in September 2024, later came under scrutiny after reports claimed the intelligence had been distorted. Feldstein also alleged that Netanyahu’s chief of staff, Tzachi Braverman, knew about an IDF investigation into the leak months before it became public and suggested he could “shut it down.”
Braverman and Netanyahu’s office both strongly denied the claims, accusing Feldstein of fabricating allegations to deflect blame as he faces severe criminal charges that could carry a life sentence.
Feldstein further claimed that Netanyahu prioritized defeating Hamas over releasing hostages and sought to minimize media discussion about his responsibility for the October 7 attack. He described the prime minister as emotionally distant from the hostage crisis — allegations that echo long-standing criticism from families of captives.
The case has intensified scrutiny of Netanyahu’s inner circle and deepened public mistrust over the government’s handling of the war and hostage negotiations.
