In a testimony that has sent shockwaves through the Israeli political establishment, Benjamin Netanyahu's former spokesperson revealed the "Great Escape Plan" devised by the Prime Minister to evade responsibility for the largest security breach in the state’s history.
Eli Feldstein, a close aide to Netanyahu currently facing trial for leaking classified security information, delivered explosive statements via Israel's Kan news channel. He disclosed the behind-the-scenes maneuvers during the initial days following the "Al-Aqsa Flood" operation.
Key Highlights of Feldstein’s Testimony:
Why is this a "Bullet" to the Heart of the Government?
-
Breaking the Wall of Silence: This is the first time an "insider" has documented, with facts, Netanyahu’s deliberate evasion of responsibility, reinforcing the narrative held by the opposition and the families of the hostages.
-
A Deep Crisis of Trust: The report reveals that at the peak of the war, Netanyahu’s priorities were "political survival" and image polishing rather than military command or rescuing hostages.
Erosion of the Defense Line: The Prime Minister’s Office reacted by labeling the statements as "false allegations," a move that reflects significant internal confusion, especially since Feldstein was not just an employee, but the "vault of secrets" for the PMO.
A Wave of Fury: Responses from the Opposition and Hostage Families
Feldstein’s confessions sparked widespread outrage in Israel, with the opposition and hostage families viewing them as "conclusive evidence" that Netanyahu prioritized personal interest over national security.
1. The Political Opposition: "A Breach of Trust"
-
Yair Lapid (Opposition Leader): Launched a fierce attack, stating: "A Prime Minister who occupies himself during a war with a PR campaign to clear his name instead of managing the battle is unfit for leadership." He described the behavior as a "spit in the face" of the soldiers on the front lines.
-
Benny Gantz: Noted that this testimony confirms previous suspicions that Netanyahu refuses to form an "Official Commission of Inquiry" because he is fully aware of the scale of his negligence.
2. Families of the Hostages: "Abandoning Our Children for an Image"
-
The Hostage Families Forum: Issued a strongly-worded statement saying: "Netanyahu did not stop at failing to prevent the attack; he invested his time and office's efforts in manipulating public awareness instead of bringing the captives back."
-
A State of Shock: Families expressed disbelief that Netanyahu’s "panic" was fueled by a fear of "the next news headline" rather than the lives of those held in Gaza.
3. The Israeli Public & Protests
-
Calls for Escalation: Protest groups (such as "Brothers in Arms") have begun calling for massive demonstrations, labeling Feldstein as the "Black Box" that exposed how the government is run like a "syndicate for distorting reality."
-
Demands for Investigation: Voices have risen demanding an immediate criminal investigation into how the Prime Minister’s Office managed military data and information during the first days of the war.
These confessions have backed Netanyahu into a corner. These are no longer mere analyses from his rivals, but the testimony of his own "hatchet man." This makes it increasingly difficult for him to continue refusing an official inquiry under the pretext of "war conditions."
