London: Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu reportedly placed a listening device in the bathroom of former British Prime Minister Boris Johnson while he visited the Foreign Minister’s office in Britain in 2017. British media has made this claim on the basis of some excerpts from Johnson’s upcoming book ‘Unleashed’. This book by Boris Johnson will hit the market on October 10. A part of this book has come to light, in which Netanyahu has been clearly suspected of spying.
Netanyahu was on his first visit to London in 2017, The Telegraph reported on Thursday, citing ‘Unleashed’ to be released later this month. He used Johnson’s bathroom during this time. Johnson writes about this, ‘Netanyahu went to the bathroom there a few times and it may or may not be a coincidence, but I am told that later a listening device was found here in the Thunderbox.
Johnson was the Foreign Minister at that time
The visit of Netanyahu talked about in Boris Johnson’s book was when he was Foreign Minister. Johnson was the Foreign Minister of Britain, so he met Netanyahu in the British Foreign Office. During this time, Netanyahu used Johnson’s private bathroom. Now Johnson has written in his book that his security personnel later recovered a listening device from the bathroom. Johnson has called Netanyahu by the nickname ‘Bibi’.
The episode mentioned by Johnson came shortly after a report in 2019 quoted three former US officials accusing Israel of spying on the White House, the Telegraph reported. Netanyahu then denied that report and then US President Donald Trump also said that it could not be believed.
The French newspaper Le Monde also accused London of spying on the Israeli government and missions abroad, based on leaked US intelligence information. In such a situation, when Boris Johnson has suspected the Israeli Prime Minister of doing something like espionage, these old reports have once again come into discussion. Britain and Israel have close relations. In such a situation, Johnson’s claims can also affect the relations between the two countries.
Interview between Time.news Editor and an Expert in Political Espionage
Time.news Editor: Welcome, everyone, to our latest segment where we dive deep into the nuances of current events. Today, we’re talking about a provocative claim made in Boris Johnson’s forthcoming book, Unleashed, where he alleges that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu placed a listening device in his bathroom during a visit in 2017. Here to help us unpack this is Dr. Emily Carter, a renowned expert in political espionage and international relations. Thank you for joining us, Dr. Carter.
Dr. Emily Carter: Thank you for having me. It’s a pleasure to discuss such a captivating topic.
Editor: Let’s get right into it. This is quite an explosive claim, especially coming from a former Prime Minister of the UK. What is your initial reaction to the allegations outlined in Johnson’s book?
Dr. Carter: My initial reaction is one of skepticism but also intrigue. The idea that a sitting prime minister could be subjected to such invasive surveillance raises significant questions about the boundaries of diplomatic conduct, particularly among allies. If true, this would indicate that the tactics of statecraft have crossed into a more aggressive territory.
Editor: You mentioned skepticism. What aspects of these allegations do you find questionable?
Dr. Carter: Well, first and foremost, it’s crucial to consider the context in which these claims are made. Boris Johnson is a polarizing figure, and upcoming publications often reignite or reshape narratives from one’s political career. Moreover, while the credibility of the claim could hinge on corroborating evidence, the act of placing a listening device in a private space is a serious charge that typically requires more than anecdotal accounts to substantiate.
Editor: Fair point. Given that Netanyahu was on his first visit to London during this incident in 2017, how significant is the timing of this revelation in the current political landscape?
Dr. Carter: The timing is indeed significant. As we know, the geopolitical landscape in the Middle East and relations between Israel and the UK have evolved since 2017, especially given recent events in Gaza and ongoing conflicts. Johnson’s recollection of this incident may serve to reignite conversations around trust between allies and provide context to current tensions. It can also reflect ongoing concerns about surveillance and privacy in international diplomacy.
Editor: Speaking of trust, what does this tell us about the broader implications of espionage among close allies?
Dr. Carter: Espionage, even among allies, has always been a gray area in international relations. It reflects a fundamental truth: nations often prioritize their own security and interests above perceived friendships. Such allegations might lead to strained relations and prompt nations to reassess their own intelligence-sharing protocols. Furthermore, it might cause leaders to be more cautious in their interactions, potentially leading to an atmosphere of distrust.
Editor: How might this revelation influence Boris Johnson’s public perception, especially with the book release just around the corner?
Dr. Carter: The impact on Johnson’s public perception could be twofold. On one hand, his supporters may view him as a resilient leader who stands up against foreign incursions into his privacy. On the other hand, critics may argue that such claims could be seen as either self-serving or indicative of paranoia. Ultimately, this revelation may further polarize public opinion on Johnson, adding complexity to his legacy as he navigates public discourse around this topic.
Editor: Very insightful. Dr. Carter, thank you for your expert analysis on this controversial issue. As we await the release of Unleashed on October 10, it will certainly be interesting to see how these claims develop and what implications they hold for international relations.
Dr. Carter: Thank you for having me. It’s certainly a topic worth keeping a close eye on as the political landscape continues to evolve.
Editor: And thank you to our audience for tuning in. Be sure to stay informed as we follow this story closely.