The Prime Minister's Office issued an unusual statement today (Friday) on behalf of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his wife Sara Netanyahu - in which it rejected the publications according to which the veteran advisor, Yossi Basaed, was fired following an incident that occurred during the opening ceremony of the 'Maccabiah' in Jerusalem.
The message read:
""The unprecedented enterprise of lies against the Prime Minister and his wife does not stop for a moment.
The blatant lie: Last week, several media channels reported that an advisor in the Prime Minister's Office, Yossi Basaed, was fired from his position by Mrs. Netanyahu.
The truth: Yossi Basaad is a close and respected advisor, who has worked alongside the Prime Minister and his wife with dedication, loyalty, and professionalism for many years. Yossi did his work modestly, quietly, and with a sense of mission.
A few weeks ago, Yossi asked to end his position for personal reasons and without any connection to any particular event. The Prime Minister and his wife cherish him greatly, thank him for his great contribution, and will continue to maintain a warm and close relationship with him.
Yossi Basaad announced that he will file a defamation lawsuit against the spreaders of lies - and that's a good thing.
"The era in which it is possible to spread lies, defame good people, and escape responsibility is over. We will continue to present the truth in the face of the fake industry and lies.".
The announcement comes following a report last week on the Ynet website, according to which sources familiar with Basaad were under the impression that he was fired after an incident that occurred at the opening ceremony of the 22nd Maccabiah at Teddy Stadium.
According to the report, during the entrance to the VIP complex, a confrontation developed over the entry arrangements, during which Sara Netanyahu, according to testimonies, shouted at Basaad and another advisor, Nevo Katz, after she claimed he stepped on her.
It was also reported that Basad burst into tears after the incident.
According to the report, witnesses claimed that the Netanyahus blamed Basad for the incident, and that the acting director general of the Prime Minister's Office, Drorit Steinmetz, was seen hugging him and trying to comfort him.
Basad himself denied after the publication that he had been fired, saying that it was a "complete lie." He said that he had not been fired and that his relationship with the prime minister and his wife was good.
Yossi Basaed has accompanied the Prime Minister and his wife for the past seven years. As part of his role, he was responsible, among other things, for accompanying the couple on tours in Israel and abroad, as well as for logistical and personal aspects of their activities.
