A significant diplomatic controversy has emerged in London as British parliamentarians urgently call for the suspension of Israel’s newly appointed ambassador to the United Kingdom. Tzachi Braverman, who previously served as Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s chief of staff, faces serious allegations of obstructing an investigation into classified information leaks during the Gaza conflict.
The disciplinary division of Israel’s civil service had previously recommended a six-month suspension for Braverman following accusations that he attempted to interfere with an inquiry into sensitive document leaks that occurred during September 2024. These leaks allegedly aimed to bolster Netanyahu’s political position concerning Gaza war negotiations.
According to reports from Israel’s Channel 13 News, Foreign Minister Gideon Saar recently met with Daniel Hershkowitz, the acting civil service commissioner, reportedly seeking to prevent Braverman’s suspension to facilitate his diplomatic appointment. This development has raised concerns about political influence over judicial processes.
British MPs from across the political spectrum have expressed profound reservations. Kim Johnson, a Labour Party MP, stated: ‘Mr. Braverman’s appointment should be halted immediately. The fact that he is facing suspension for allegedly obstructing an inquiry into leaked classified information during the Gaza genocide raises serious questions about trust and political influence over due process.’
Chris Law, the Scottish National Party’s international trade spokesperson, emphasized the diplomatic implications: ‘At a time when trust among politicians across these islands in the Israeli government is at an all-time low, appointing a man who has allegedly been integral to obstructing an investigation would do little to improve relations.’
The controversy centers on allegations that Braverman told former Netanyahu spokesman Eli Feldstein that he could ‘shut down’ the leak investigation—a claim both Braverman and the Prime Minister’s office deny, accusing Feldstein of fabrication.
This appointment controversy occurs against a backdrop of increasingly strained UK-Israel relations, which have included British sanctions against two Israeli ministers last June and diplomatic spats involving inflammatory rhetoric from Israeli officials toward British leadership.