Israeli police on Sunday detained a senior aide to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for questioning. The aide is accused of trying to block an investigation into the leak of classified intelligence to the German newspaper Bild. The suspect is Tzachi Braverman, Netanyahu’s Chief of Staff.

Police initially did not reveal the name of the detainee. They only confirmed that one of the prime minister’s top aides was under investigation. Later, Hebrew media outlets identified the suspect as Braverman, a key figure in Netanyahu’s inner circle and Israel’s incoming ambassador to the United Kingdom.

“This morning, a senior official in the Prime Minister’s Office has been detained by Lahav 433 officers on suspicion of obstructing investigative procedures,” police said in a statement.

Police Search Home and Seize Phone

Officers from Lahav 433, Israel’s major crimes unit, searched Braverman’s home during an early morning raid. They then questioned him at the unit’s headquarters in Lod.

Reports said police seized Braverman’s mobile phone as part of the investigation. Officers also summoned Omer Mansour, a spokesperson in the Prime Minister’s Office, to give testimony related to the case.

Claims of Attempt to Shut Down Investigation

The interrogation followed claims made by Eli Feldstein, Netanyahu’s former spokesperson, who has been indicted in a separate case. Feldstein said Braverman knew about the leak investigation months before it became public.

Feldstein claimed Braverman told him that he could stop the probe if needed. He said Braverman assured him that the investigation could be “shut it down.”

In an interview with Kan public broadcaster last month, Feldstein described a secret meeting with Braverman. He said they met late at night in an underground parking lot at the Kirya military headquarters.

According to Feldstein, he informed Braverman that the Israeli army had launched an inquiry into the leak. He alleged that Braverman warned him that the list of suspects reached as high as the Prime Minister’s Office. Braverman then urged him to disclose any connection to the leak so he could intervene.

Police Expand Investigation

After Feldstein’s interview, police opened a formal investigation into the allegations. Sources said Feldstein is expected to give official testimony at Lahav 433’s offices.

Investigators may also arrange a face-to-face confrontation between Feldstein and Braverman as the probe continues.

Ambassador Appointment Under Scrutiny

Braverman is due to become Israel’s next ambassador to the United Kingdom in the coming months. His detention has triggered political backlash.

Opposition leader Yair Lapid called for an immediate freeze on the appointment. He wrote on X, “It cannot be that a man suspected of involvement in obstructing a serious security investigation will be the face of Israel in one of the most important countries in Europe.”

The Movement for Quality Government in Israel also urged authorities to suspend the appointment. The group said the ambassadorship “is a most sensitive role that demands complete public trust.”

Foreign Minister Defends Braverman

Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar rejected the calls for suspension. He said Braverman “was lawfully appointed to the position of Israel’s Ambassador to the United Kingdom. His appointment passed all the required stages.”

Sa’ar warned against acting before the investigation concludes. He said, “harming an individual—whether in their employment or in their official role—at the preliminary stage of an investigation is inconsistent with the fundamental values of human and civil rights and with the right to due process.”

“I do not believe that the mere existence of an investigation justifies undermining Braverman’s appointment or suspending him from his position,” Sa’ar added.

Probe Still Ongoing

Police continue to investigate whether Braverman attempted to obstruct the classified leak probe. No charges have been filed so far, and the case remains under review.