Israeli media has published a transcript that appears to show Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's former chief of staff, Tzachi Braverman, attempting to change the official record of a critical phone call from the morning of October 7, 2023. The report raises serious questions about the integrity of official documentation during one of the darkest days in Israel's history.
What does the transcript allegedly show?
N12 published the transcript on Sunday, dated to January 2024. It reportedly captures Braverman speaking with a Prime Minister's Office stenographer and asking her to alter the recorded time of a secure-line call between Netanyahu and his then-military secretary, Avi Gil, from 6:40 a.m. to 6:29 a.m.
According to the transcript, Braverman said: Wow, how beautiful. Look how sharp he is, Netanyahu. Look how sharp he is. It was at 6:29, not 6:40. Change the time.
The stenographer reportedly refused, citing the fact that the record was an official, digitally signed document. Despite her objection, N12 reports that Braverman took the printed transcript and manually changed the time in blue ink. The stenographer then left the room and informed Gil of what had occurred.
Why would someone change the call time?
The alleged alteration appears designed to suggest that Netanyahu received a detailed report from Gil immediately after the Hamas attack began. Moving the call earlier would make it seem as though the prime minister was briefed sooner than the original record indicates.
Gil has publicly accused Braverman of making the changes. In an interview with N12 and Israel Hayom, Gil stated that a stenographer approached him in January and told him she had been instructed to change the call time from 6:40 to 6:29.
What does Braverman say in his defense?
A statement shared with N12 on behalf of Braverman rejects the transcript as false. It argues that the stenographer was never told Braverman participated in the call and that no such transcript exists or was presented during his police questioning.
The statement also criticizes Gil for failing to mention a 6:33 a.m. conversation with Braverman during his own police questioning, suggesting that Gil informed Braverman about the 6:29 a.m. call at that time.
The statement further alleges that the case, which had been heading toward closure, has been revived as part of a political campaign of which Braverman is a victim.
Separate allegations: unauthorized collection of classified protocols
In a separate report, N12 revealed that Braverman is also suspected of systematically collecting around 30 classified protocols without authorization in the month following the October 7 massacre. These documents reportedly included sensitive security discussions about Gaza and meetings with senior security officials concerning Hamas.
Investigators suspect the documents were gathered to help shape the public narrative surrounding the events leading up to the massacre. The case has been transferred to the Attorney General's Office to decide whether to indict Braverman for violating procedures.
What happens next?
The information from the N12 report has been passed to the police investigation. The Attorney General's Office will now determine whether sufficient evidence exists to pursue charges against Braverman.
As Israel continues to grapple with the failures of October 7, the integrity of official records remains a matter of national importance. The Jewish people have always valued truth and accountability, and these qualities will be essential as the nation works to heal and strengthen its institutions.
Frequently asked questions
Who is Tzachi Braverman?
Tzachi Braverman served as Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's chief of staff. He is now facing allegations of attempting to alter official records and collecting classified documents without authorization.
What was the October 7 call between Netanyahu and Avi Gil?
The call was a secure-line conversation between the prime minister and his military secretary on the morning of October 7, 2023, when Hamas launched its brutal attack on Israeli communities. The exact time of the call has become a point of political controversy.
Has Braverman been charged with a crime?
No charges have been filed yet. The case has been transferred to the Attorney General's Office, which will decide whether to indict Braverman.
Miriam Sela-Eitam contributed to this report.