Former Netanyahu Chief of Staff Reveals Loyalty Demands and Internal Conflicts in PM's Office

Yoav Horowitz, who served as Benjamin Netanyahu's chief of staff and long-time close aide, has broken his silence to reveal the intense personal loyalty demanded within the Prime Minister's office and the internal tensions he witnessed. In an interview with Liron Avraham, Horowitz described Netanyahu's leadership style as a mix between a king and an emperor, emphasizing that since 2019, Israel lacks a true democracy due to the concentration of power in Netanyahu's hands and the erosion of judicial and police independence.

Horowitz recounted a specific incident where he physically intervened to stop Sara Netanyahu from attacking a senior official, highlighting the blurred lines between the Prime Minister and his wife in the office's operations. He also confirmed that there was pressure from Netanyahu's household for staff to sign loyalty pledges to the Netanyahu family, which he refused to implement. Horowitz criticized the family's significant influence over political, security, and personal decisions, citing examples such as the "magnetometer affair" at the Temple Mount and the handling of asylum seekers.

Reflecting on his tenure, Horowitz admitted he repeatedly confronted Netanyahu on improper conduct but saw little change. He described the Prime Minister's belief that without him, "there is nothing," underscoring the lack of a suitable successor and the dangerous centralization of authority. The turning point for Horowitz was the October 7 attacks, which led him to join former IDF Chief of Staff Gadi Eizenkot's team, advocating for responsible and humble leadership.

Horowitz has actively protested against Netanyahu's judicial reforms, viewing the attempts to undermine the judiciary as a root cause of Israel's current crises. He called for a state commission of inquiry and limits on prime ministerial terms as part of a broader reform agenda. The Likud party dismissed Horowitz's criticisms as politically motivated, linking him to left-wing protests. Horowitz's revelations provide a rare insider perspective on the personal dynamics and governance challenges within Netanyahu's administration.