After denial, police chief admits ‘longstanding friendship’ with PM’s late aide

Police Commissioner Daniel Levy has admitted to a “longstanding friendship” with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s late aide Hanni Bleiweiss, after previously denying the matter.

An investigative report aired last week by Channel 12’s “Uvda” television show about the dealings of Sara Netanyahu and allegations she acted to intimidate and harass those she viewed as her family’s enemies also touched on Bleiweiss’s apparently close ties to Levy over the years, prior to his becoming police chief. Bleiweiss died last year.

The report claimed Bleiweiss had talked Levy up to Sara Netanyahu, and that he himself had offered messages of support for the premier through her.

In response to the “Uvda” report, police issued a response saying, “In practice, there is and never was any connection between the two.”

But today Levy sent a letter to members of the force, “in light of the reports being disseminated in recent days in the media,” acknowledging this was not the case.

“Throughout my years of service in the Israel Police, I have always maintained integrity and acted with loyalty, professionalism, and without political motives,” he writes.

“Regarding the reports, I wish to clarify that my relationship with the late Ms. Hanni Bleiweiss was a longstanding friendship, devoid of any interests or political considerations. This friendship began during her time as a volunteer in the Tel Aviv District, where I served, and nothing more.”