Former British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has made a shocking claim in his upcoming memoir, alleging that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's visit to the Foreign Office in 2017 led to the discovery of a listening device in his bathroom. According to Johnson, the Israeli leader excused himself during their meeting, using the bathroom, which Johnson described as a "secret annex" reminiscent of “the gents in a posh London club.” Following this, a routine security sweep uncovered a bugging device in the toilet area, leading to speculation about possible espionage.
The incident took place during Johnson’s tenure as Foreign Secretary, a period marked by significant diplomatic engagements with Israel. In his book, Unleashed, Johnson writes that the device was found shortly after Netanyahu had used the facilities, though he stops short of directly accusing the Israeli government of planting the device. The British government has yet to confirm whether Israel was formally confronted about the alleged bugging.
NEW: Former UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson claims a listening device was found in his bathroom after it was used by Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu.
Johnson claims his security team found bugging devices in the toilets after they were used by Netanyahu.
Johnson says Netanyahu… pic.twitter.com/fQFglZcvCc
— Collin Rugg (@CollinRugg) October 3, 2024
This revelation, set to be detailed in Johnson’s memoir, raises concerns about Israel’s intelligence activities, with the accusation adding to long-standing allegations of espionage against Netanyahu's government. While there is no direct evidence linking Netanyahu or his delegation to the device, the timing of its discovery has fueled speculation.
Israel has a history of surveillance-related controversies, with a 2019 report accusing the country of planting devices near sensitive locations in Washington, including the White House. Israel has consistently denied these allegations.
Allegedly Netanyahu left a bugging device in Boris Johnson’s bathroom when he used his toilet😂 pic.twitter.com/EengDnj6Jo
— Ross McCulloch (@Rossmac212) October 4, 2024
Johnson’s account also recalls a lighter moment from the same meeting, where he jokingly presented Netanyahu with a Bic pen, claiming it was the one used to sign the historic Balfour Declaration—a quip that reportedly left Netanyahu “genuinely awestruck.” While this anecdote provided some levity, the implications of the bugging claim are far more serious, potentially straining diplomatic relations between the UK and Israel.
The Israeli embassy in London has yet to comment on Johnson’s allegations, and it remains unclear whether this discovery has had any lasting diplomatic repercussions.
Johnson's memoir is expected to stir further debate when it is released, not only for the bugging claims but also for his critiques of various political figures, including Dominic Cummings, whom he likened to a "homicidal robot" working to undermine his leadership during his time at 10 Downing Street.
This is not the first time allegations of Israeli espionage have surfaced. In addition to the Washington incident, there have been rumors of covert surveillance activities in Europe. However, Netanyahu’s government has consistently denied any involvement in such operations, and Israel remains one of the UK’s closest allies in the Middle East. As Johnson prepares for the release of his memoir, these new allegations may reopen old wounds and cast a shadow over the already complex relationship between the two nations.
