The scandal threatening to bring down Benjamin Netanyahu’s government has reached the Prime Minister’s inner sanctum. On Sunday morning, police from the elite Lahav 433 unit detained Tzachi Braverman, Netanyahu’s powerful Chief of Staff, for questioning over allegations of obstruction of justice and blackmail.

The investigation centers on the "Bild Leak"—the release of a classified IDF document to a German tabloid in late 2024. The document, which suggested Hamas was not interested in a hostage deal, was used by Netanyahu to justify hardening his negotiating position. Critics allege the document was manipulated or leaked illegally to sway public opinion.

The "Shut It Down" Meeting

The breakthrough in the case came from the testimony of Eli Feldstein, a former Netanyahu spokesperson already indicted in the affair. Feldstein told investigators that Braverman summoned him to a clandestine late-night meeting in the Kirya (military HQ) parking lot.

• The Allegation: Braverman allegedly told Feldstein that he could "shut down" the internal IDF probe into the leak. "He acted like a mob boss," a source close to the investigation said.
• The "Blackmail" Angle: Even more explosive are reports that Braverman possessed sensitive personal footage of a senior military officer, which he allegedly threatened to release if the officer did not cooperate. Police seized Braverman’s phone and computers during a raid on his home.
• Diplomatic Fallout: Braverman is the designate Ambassador to the UK. Opposition Leader Yair Lapid has demanded his immediate suspension. "A man suspected of blackmail cannot represent Israel in London," Lapid stated.

Netanyahu’s Defense

The Prime Minister’s Office has dismissed the probe as a "witch hunt" designed to topple the right-wing government during wartime. However, the detention of his closest aide brings the legal peril to Netanyahu’s doorstep. If Braverman flips, the Prime Minister could be directly implicated in ordering the leak that arguably prolonged the war.