Shas Operative Accused of Silencing Media Criticism of Party Leader

Yanki Bichler, a PR operative described as close to Shas chairman Aryeh Deri, is reportedly pressuring Haredi media figures to suppress criticism of Deri, according to a Tuesday evening report by Channel 13. Four testimonies obtained by the news outlet allege that Bichler demands the removal or non-publication of negative coverage concerning Deri. He allegedly leverages the financial power of major Israeli corporations to achieve this.

One account comes from Yehuda Rost, co-owner of the "Zman Emmet" news group. Rost stated that Bichler angrily called him after Rost published a report by Eli Hirshman of Channel 12 featuring recordings of rabbis criticizing Deri. Bichler demanded the immediate removal of the report and allegedly threatened Rost if he refused. Following Rost's refusal, several major companies with whom Bichler works, including Egged, Tnuva, and Meuhedet, reportedly ceased advertising with Rost's outlet.

Additional testimonies from Haredi journalists claim Bichler has attempted to limit and silence criticism of Shas and its leader. Three journalists, who requested anonymity, reported that Bichler offered them payments, directly or indirectly, to avoid publishing negative stories about Shas. Conversely, these journalists also stated they received payment for positive coverage of Shas without proper disclosure that the content was sponsored. Payments reportedly ranged from hundreds to tens of thousands of shekels per publication or package.

Shas responded by stating the party operates legally with close legal counsel and is confident in its conduct. They also questioned why Channel 13 ignores what they claim are illegal investments by left-wing NGOs in the Haredi sector against Haredi parties. Yanki Bichler commented, "Let the envious die - I chose the path of faith."