Netanyahu's Pre-Shabbat Interview Sparks Outrage from Right-Wing Media

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is facing sharp criticism from right-wing media figures over a pre-recorded interview scheduled to air on i24NEWS during Shabbat. The interview, conducted by journalist Noa Dromi for the program "Shishi Cabinet," was taped in advance and will be broadcast on Friday evening, with i24NEWS promoting the show using slogans like "Opening Shabbat."

This is not the first time Netanyahu has drawn criticism for pre-recorded interviews aired on Shabbat. Media personality Boaz Golan of Channel 14 vehemently attacked the prime minister, calling the move "unusual" for a sitting premier. Golan asserted that, based on his research, no previous prime minister has ever granted an interview for a program broadcast on Shabbat, even if pre-recorded.

Golan recalled that Netanyahu himself conducted a similar interview in 2010 but later apologized and pledged to avoid such occurrences. "The only one who did this in 2010 was Benjamin Netanyahu, and he later apologized and promised to be careful about it in the future. This week he is doing it again!" Golan wrote, noting his claims are based on his own investigation.

In a strong statement, Golan declared, "Whoever talks in the media about 'divine assistance' in an existential war cannot desecrate Shabbat, the source of blessing for the people of Israel." He concluded with the single word, "Shame."

Golan has previously criticized Netanyahu on Shabbat-related issues, including non-urgent statements released by the Prime Minister's Office on Saturdays. He previously stated that former prime ministers Yair Lapid and Naftali Bennett desecrated Shabbat less through their announcements than Netanyahu. Golan urged religious parties to make Shabbat observance a red line, arguing that government ministries should not operate on Shabbat.