UK MPs raise concerns over new Israeli ambassador to UK embroiled in domestic scandal
British MPs have raised concerns over Israel's new ambassador to the UK after he was accused of obstructing an investigation into leaks of classified information during the war on Gaza.
It emerged last month that the discipline division of the civil service in Israel recommended suspending Tzachi Braverman, who is Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's chief of staff, for half a year.
Chris Law, the Scottish National Party's international trade spokesperson, urged the Israeli government to "reconsider" Braverman's appointment in comments to Middle East Eye, while Labour MP Kim Johnson said his appointment should be "halted immediately".
According to Israel's Channel 13 News, on Tuesday Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar met Daniel Hershkowitz, the acting commissioner of the civil service, and asked him not to suspend Braverman so that he could carry out his role as ambassador to the UK.
Netanyahu's aides were accused of leaking classified information to support the prime minister's position during the Gaza war in September 2024.
New MEE newsletter: Jerusalem Dispatch
Sign up to get the latest insights and analysis on Israel-Palestine, alongside Turkey Unpacked and other MEE newsletters
Last December, a former spokesman for Netanyahu, Eli Feldstein, claimed Braverman told him in 2024 that he could "shut down" the investigation into the leak.
The prime minister's office and Braverman both denied this and accused Feldstein of lying.
In January, a temporary ban on leaving Israel was imposed on Braverman, leaving him unable to serve as ambassador to Britain. But earlier this month a magistrate court lifted the ban, citing his diplomatic appointment.
Meanwhile the civil service's discipline division reportedly recommended suspending Braverman for six months.
Middle East Eye has contacted the Israeli civil service's press office and the Israeli foreign ministry for comment.
'Braverman's appointment should be halted'
Kim Johnson, an MP in the governing Labour Party, on Thursday expressed concern over Braverman's appointment.
"Mr Braverman’s appointment should be halted immediately, and our government should make clear our major concerns," she told Middle East Eye.
"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," Johnson added.
"Israeli reports that their foreign minister has met with the civil service’s acting commissioner to influence his decision are disturbing. We need full transparency about what pressure has been put on civil servants in charge of this decision."
Johnson warned: "Proceeding with this appointment risks undermining international security and could seriously damage the UK’s relations with key partners across the Middle East."
MP Chris Law, the Scottish National Party's spokesperson for business, international trade and development, added: "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 into devastating leaks back home would do little to improve relations."
He told MEE: "We have already seen this year the devastation that making political appointments in the face of existing scandals can cause a government – the decision to appoint Peter Mandelson as an ambassador may yet still topple Keir Starmer."
Law said that it was ultimately "a decision for the Israeli government for whom they want advocating on their behalf in other countries".
He called on Israel to "clearly reconsider whether it is appropriate to appoint such a controversial figure to the role, or whether it will only lead to a further deterioration in relations with the UK government.”
'Campaign of persecution'
Earlier this week, Israeli media reported that Braverman's lawyer urged an investigation into the "grave leak" of the division's recommendation, saying it was intended to undermine his standing as Israel's ambassador in London.
Braverman's appointment has until now received little attention in Britain. There is currently no Israeli ambassador in London after Tzipi Hotovely finished her term last September.
Netanyahu's right-wing Likud party has previously said that the investigation into Braverman was "nothing more than a continuation of the campaign of persecution against the prime minister and his team".
Braverman has been questioned over the leaking in 2024 of a document purportedly by Hamas, which suggested the group did not want to release Israeli captives and end the war.
Critics claimed the leak was designed to increase public support for Netanyahu's negotiating positions.
Feldstein, a suspect in the case, claimed publicly last month that Braverman told him he could shut down an investigation into the leak.
Afterwards, opposition leader Yair Lapid urged the suspension of Braverman's appointment as ambassador to Britain.
But Israeli Foreign Minister Saar said such a move would be "inconsistent with fundamental values of human and civil rights and the right to a fair trial".
The past year has seen a series of diplomatic spats between historic allies Britain and Israel.
Last June, the UK sanctioned two Israeli ministers, National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, over "their repeated incitement of violence against Palestinian communities" in Gaza and the West Bank.
In October, Israeli Diaspora Minister Amichai Chikli disparagingly called the British prime minister "Palestinian" after Starmer criticised him for inviting far-right activist and convicted criminal Tommy Robinson to Israel.
Middle East Eye delivers independent and unrivalled coverage and analysis of the Middle East, North Africa and beyond. To learn more about republishing this content and the associated fees, please fill out this form. More about MEE can be found here.
