Netanyahu's Inner Circle Faces Legal and Ethical Scrutiny

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu operates with a close circle of advisors and officials, some of whom have been with him for over a decade, while others have served only briefly. Several individuals within this inner circle have faced significant legal challenges and investigations. Tzachi Braverman, Netanyahu's former Chief of Staff, is awaiting a potential indictment. Two advisors are accused in the "BILD" case and are suspects in "Qatargate." A former campaign advisor has been declared a fugitive, and a former acting Director General of the Prime Minister's Office was questioned under caution. Additionally, three former associates have signed state witness agreements in Netanyahu's trial.

The influence of the Prime Minister's wife, Sara Netanyahu, is also highlighted, with claims that key appointments required her approval. Past legal proceedings, including a labor court ruling in 2016 that awarded compensation to a former household manager due to offensive employment conditions stemming from Sara Netanyahu's conduct, and a former cook's lawsuit alleging abuse, underscore the controversies surrounding her. Her alleged involvement in demanding the cessation of media appearances by former National Security Advisor Tzachi Hanegbi has also been reported.

Key figures within the Prime Minister's Office and associated staff have faced their own legal entanglements. Tzachi Braverman, after serving as government secretary and acting director general, was appointed Chief of Staff. He was investigated for allegedly attempting to alter the time of a call on October 7th and was later informed that prosecutors were considering indicting him for fraud, breach of trust, and obstruction of justice. Yossi Shai, Director General of the Prime Minister's Office, a long-time Likud activist, faced a prior indictment for false affidavits and a plea deal for breach of statutory duty. He also made controversial remarks about the Nova party massacre and faced criticism from the State Comptroller for his conduct during the war.

Drorit Steinmetz, who has worked around Netanyahu for about 15 years, primarily handling residence expenses, has been subject to investigations and reprimands for negligence and alleged mishandling of tender committees. She was appointed to several senior roles without open tenders. Ido Norden, the current Chief of Staff, previously drew controversy for comparing the police and Shin Bet to the Revolutionary Guards. Yossi Fuchs, the Secretary of the Government, a lawyer and a staunch defender of Netanyahu in legal battles, has been described as Netanyahu's closest confidant after the Chief of Staff and has engaged in disputes with the Attorney General's office regarding his authority and actions.

Special envoy Ron Dermer, a former ambassador to Washington and current Minister for Strategic Affairs, has been central to hostage negotiations and dealings with the US and Iran. Natan Ashel, a former Chief of Staff, has a history of misconduct, including an agreement to resign from public service after a harassment complaint. He has continued to represent Netanyahu in political negotiations and has made controversial public statements regarding the October 7th events and the military.

Several individuals have left Netanyahu's inner circle and become state witnesses in his corruption trial, including Ari Harow, Shlomo Filber, and Nir Hefetz. These individuals have provided testimony regarding the alleged corruption and Netanyahu's conduct. The article details the involvement of Jonathan Uriach and Eli Feldstein in the "BILD" case and "Qatargate," with Uriach facing an indictment and Feldstein being a suspect. Israel Einhorn, also implicated in "Qatargate," has been declared a fugitive. The article also touches upon the "night meeting" controversy involving Braverman and Feldstein, and the "Qatargate" allegations concerning payments from Qatar.