Tal Gilboa Acts as Netanyahu's Spokesperson Despite Canceled Appointment

Tal Gilboa, who was previously slated to become Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's spokesperson, is now effectively serving in that role despite her official appointment being canceled six months ago. Gilboa has been added to the Prime Minister's spokesperson unit's official WhatsApp group and is actively involved in the Prime Minister's office's communications work. On Thursday, she published the Prime Minister's schedule, a task typically handled by the official spokesperson's office. Gilboa is also responding to media inquiries and is involved in preparations for Netanyahu's upcoming speech at the UN General Assembly in New York.

Gilboa's de facto return to a central communications role is significant given that her official appointment was withdrawn in late March. At that time, it was reported that Gilboa, who serves as the Prime Minister's advisor on animal welfare, was expected to replace Ziv Agmon, who resigned following controversy over his own remarks. However, shortly after her intended appointment was announced, past statements made by Gilboa resurfaced, drawing sharp public criticism. Following the outcry, the decision was made not to officially appoint her as the Prime Minister's spokesperson.

Gilboa herself addressed the controversy at the time, characterizing the remarks as old and taken out of context, stating she was unfazed by a "wave of persecution." Since then, she has continued in her role as the Prime Minister's advisor on animal rights. Now, months after her official appointment was rescinded, she has returned to the core of media operations in Netanyahu's office, without an official title but with access to the communications apparatus and engaging in public-facing activities associated with the spokesperson role. The Prime Minister's office has not yet issued a response.