Likud insider sparks outrage with claim about Kiryat Shmona residents

Shlomi Vaknin, a Likud Central Committee member and a close associate of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, drew ridicule after saying there was no need to compensate residents of Kiryat Shmona because, in his view, they all drive new jeeps. The comment was presented as an example of embarrassing political tone-deafness toward Likud voters.

The article is structured as a roundup of “embarrassing moments” from the week, and Vaknin’s remark is singled out as the most offensive item. It says the statement goes beyond stupidity or detachment and amounts to spitting in the face of Likud’s electorate.

The roundup also briefly highlights other mocked media and political moments, including a political correspondent from Israel Hayom presenting what the item calls the week’s, or perhaps the year’s, most pathetic tweet. It also cites an offensive antisemitic segment on Channel 14, an insult directed at the communications minister, and a Knesset member, Nissim Vaturi, angrily attacking Donald Trump while referencing the former president’s love of hamburgers.

The piece closes by asking readers which broadcast moment they found most embarrassing this week, inviting them to respond in the comments.