Netanyahu's office blasts 'fake news' over adviser Yossi Basad's exit

The Prime Minister's Office has forcefully denied reports suggesting that advisor Yossi Basad was dismissed following an alleged altercation with Sara Netanyahu. In a statement released Friday, the office clarified that Basad's departure from his role, where he served the Netanyahu couple for over six years managing personal affairs and accompanying them on visits, was due to personal reasons entirely unrelated to any specific incident.

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Yossi requested to leave his position for personal reasons that are entirely unrelated to any specific incident.

Basad himself has denied claims that he was fired, stating he requested to leave his position two weeks prior to the alleged incident. The Prime Minister's Office praised Basad for his dedication, loyalty, and professionalism, emphasizing his significant contributions and affirming that the Prime Minister and his wife hold him in the highest regard and will maintain a close relationship with him.

The statement strongly condemned the reports, describing them as an "unprecedented campaign of lies against the Prime Minister and his wife." It asserted that "the era in which people can spread lies, defame good individuals, and evade responsibility is over." The office vowed to continue confronting "the industry of fake news and lies with the truth."

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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.

Speculation regarding Basad's exit arose from Hebrew media reports alleging that Sara Netanyahu had shouted at him at a Maccabiah Games VIP event three months prior, accusing him of allowing her to be disrespected. These reports claimed Basad was fired immediately after the incident. The Prime Minister's Office indicated Basad intends to file a defamation lawsuit against those spreading the "fake news" about his departure.

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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.