PMO Says Yossi Basad Left Netanyahu Role for Personal Reasons

The Prime Minister's Office said longtime adviser Yossi Basad was not fired by Sara Netanyahu and had asked weeks ago to leave his post for personal reasons unrelated to any specific incident. The statement, issued in the name of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his wife, responded to reports tying Basad's exit to a Maccabiah VIP-area confrontation. It said the couple value Basad's loyal work and will maintain a warm relationship with him. Basad plans to file a defamation suit over the claims. The reports describe him as a longtime aide who accompanied the Netanyahu family on visits in Israel and abroad and handled personal or logistical affairs.