The allegations have sparked intense online debate, with supporters viewing them as evidence of undue foreign influence and critics dismissing them as unsubstantiated or motivated by recent political setbacks.
No official response from the Israeli government or Novak addressing the renewed claims has been reported as of this update.
The Israeli Consulate previously denied any official involvement in similar 2021 reports.
Background on the 2021 Extortion Scheme
The claims revive a controversy from March 2021, when Gaetz publicly alleged an extortion attempt amid a separate DOJ investigation into sex trafficking allegations (which was dropped in 2023 with no charges filed).Gaetz and his father, Don Gaetz, claimed intermediaries demanded $25 million, framing it partly as funding to rescue Robert Levinson, a former FBI agent missing in Iran since 2007 (presumed dead in 2020).
Florida businessman Stephen Alford pleaded guilty to wire fraud in 2022 and served prison time for his role.
Leaked texts from 2021, first reported by outlets like The American Conservative and Politico, showed Novak discussing the Gaetz probe and the Levinson "fundraising" effort with Dilbert creator Scott Adams days before it became public. Novak suggested involvement in negotiations, stating the "real documents do not extort" and that the amount was reduced.
The Israeli Consulate in 2021 stated Novak was a low-level staffer not acting in an official capacity and instructed him to cease involvement.
Gaetz has long denied the underlying sex allegations, calling them fabricated to bolster the extortion.
Gaetz linked the plot to broader efforts to derail his career, including his withdrawn 2024 nomination for Attorney General amid a House Ethics report on misconduct (which he disputed).
