The Prime Minister's Office issued a statement on Friday from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, denying reports that his wife, Sara Netanyahu, had dismissed his advisor, Yossi Basad, several weeks earlier.
The statement also clarified that Basad intends to file a defamation lawsuit against those spreading false information about his exit from the Prime Minister’s office.
“Yossi requested to leave his position for personal reasons that are entirely unrelated to any specific incident,” the statement said.
Basad has served as an advisor to the Netanyahu couple for over six years. In his role, he not only accompanied them on visits throughout Israel and abroad but also managed their personal affairs.
The statement praised Basad for his dedication, loyalty, and professionalism, emphasizing his value to the Prime Minister and his wife.
“The Prime Minister and his wife hold him in the highest regard, thank him for his significant contributions, and will continue to maintain a warm and close relationship with him,” the statement noted.
'Unprecedented campaign of lies'
Additionally, the statement addressed the situation more personally, describing it as an “unprecedented campaign of lies against the Prime Minister and his wife.”
“The era in which people can spread lies, defame good individuals, and evade responsibility is over. We will continue to confront the industry of fake news and lies with the truth,” it asserted.
The alleged incident that sparked public speculation over Basad’s employment status occurred at a Maccabiah Games VIP event three months ago.
Hebrew media reported that during the event, Sara Netanyahu shouted at Basad, accusing him of allowing her to be disrespected because she had not been properly escorted into the VIP area.
The reports alleged that Basad was fired from his post immediately after the incident, but he denied it, claiming he had requested to leave two weeks earlier.