UK said withholding approval of Israel’s envoy nominee Braverman amid legal scandal

British officials recently informed Israel through unofficial channels that the United Kingdom does not currently intend to approve the diplomatic credentials of Israel’s ambassador-designate to London, Tzachi Braverman, while legal proceedings against him remain unresolved, Channel 13 reports, citing diplomatic sources.

According to the report, the officials say that while London was willing to accept Braverman, formerly Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s chief of staff, when he was nominated around nine months ago, its position has shifted in light of the legal proceedings.

Earlier today, the State Attorney’s Office announced that Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara intends to indict Braverman pending a hearing on charges of obstruction of justice, fraud and breach of trust. The case centers on a meeting Braverman allegedly held in October 2024 with Netanyahu aide Eli Feldstein, during which prosecutors allege he informed Feldstein of an investigation into leaked classified documents published by German tabloid Bild and suggested he could halt the probe if Feldstein was involved.

Approval of diplomatic credentials is formally granted on behalf of the British monarchy following recommendations from the UK Foreign Office, the Channel 13 report notes, saying one diplomatic source has said Israel may ultimately need to consider appointing a different candidate.

An Israeli official, however, tells the Hebrew network that Braverman could still take up the post even if indicted and will only leave in the event of a conviction.

The British embassy in Israel and the Foreign Ministry do not immediately respond to requests for comment on the report.