Yossi Basad, a longtime trusted adviser to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his wife Sarah, was summarily dismissed by the couple following the embarrassing and widely documented incident at the opening ceremony of the 22nd Maccabiah. During the event, Sarah Netanyahu shouted at him, accusing him of allowing her to be stepped on because she had not been properly escorted into the VIP area. According to people who were present, Basad burst into tears after being informed of his dismissal and could not believe it was happening.
Sarah Netanyahu shouted at him, accusing him of allowing her to be stepped on because she had not been properly escorted into the VIP area
(Video: Uri Misgav's Facebook)
Witnesses said the prime minister's wife also shouted at both her husband and his adviser, Nevo Katz. She blamed them for what happened, accusing them of being responsible for her being stepped on. People at the scene said Sarah Netanyahu was extremely upset and shouted: "Because of you I ended up arguing with people here. You made me fight with people."
Already during Wednesday's event at Teddy Stadium, the prime minister and his wife placed the blame on Basad, who among other responsibilities handled arrangements for their visits and tours, and dismissed him.
Yossi Basad with Sara and Benjamin Netanyahu
(Photo: Section 27A of Israel's Copyright Law)
After Basad broke down in tears, acting Director-General of the Prime Minister's Office Drorit Steinmetz, who is considered very close to the Netanyahu couple, was seen embracing him and trying to comfort him.
Basad had accompanied the Netanyahu couple for more than six years. As part of his role, he accompanied them on visits throughout Israel and abroad, while also handling their personal affairs.
The Prime Minister's Office declined to comment.
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