Azealia Banks Criticizes Israeli Minister Miki Zohar Amid Shifting Relationship

American rapper Azealia Banks has publicly criticized Israel's Minister of Culture and Sports, Miki Zohar, questioning the effectiveness of his role on social media platform X. Banks asked if Zohar "actually do[es] anything aa culture minister for Israel or is the position largely symbolic?" She also alluded to Communications Minister Shlomo Karai, inquiring if they were still "approving the hasbara these days." This public criticism comes as a surprise given Banks' previously warm relationship with Zohar. In October 2025, prior to a visit to Israel, Banks expressed a desire to meet Zohar, who welcomed her as a "true friend of the country and a real Zionist."

Banks' visit in October 2025 coincided with the two-year anniversary of the October 7th attacks. During her trip, she visited the Nova festival massacre site memorial, Yad Vashem, and the Dead Sea. At a Tel Aviv concert, she appeared on stage wearing a Star of David pendant and draped in the Israeli flag. Her visit was preceded by a strong declaration of her Zionist identity and criticism of colleagues advocating for an Israel boycott.

Banks' relationship with Israel has historically been volatile. In 2018, she stated she would never return to the country after a concert in Tel Aviv, citing alleged racism and issues at Ben Gurion Airport. Seven years later, she reversed this stance, becoming a prominent advocate for Israel in the entertainment industry, though even that visit involved controversial remarks about Ashkenazi Jews.

The specific trigger for Banks' latest social media post remains unclear, as does the exact identity of the "Shlomo" she mentioned. However, the exchange indicates a new cooling phase in the public relationship between the singer and the Israeli minister.