Netanyahu Aide Accused of Blackmailing IDF Officer

Tzachi Braverman, chief of staff to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, is alleged to have attempted to blackmail an IDF officer by threatening him with sensitive footage obtained from the Prime Minister's Office. Reports indicate that Braverman and other PMO officials coerced a female employee into providing her phone to access her private communications with the officer, who was reportedly in an inappropriate relationship with her. Following these allegations, Braverman issued strong denials, labeling the claims as 'lies' and 'defamatory', and threatened legal action against the media outlets involved. The claims emerge amid a backdrop of scandals surrounding Netanyahu's administration, which is already facing scrutiny over its handling of security matters before the October 7 attack by Hamas. Braverman demanded retractions and an apology from the journalists reporting the story, asserting that the accusations are aimed at undermining him and the PMO during wartime. Netanyahu's office has denied all allegations related to this incident.