Miki Zohar Embodies Likud's Shift to Blind Obedience and Empty Populism

Culture Minister Miki Zohar recently provided a stark illustration of the current state of the Likud party, characterized by a loss of independent thought and a reliance on populist rhetoric, according to communications strategist Liran Fox.

In one instance, when asked about his stance on a particular individual, Zohar admitted he could not answer without consulting a "message sheet" and waiting for Prime Minister Netanyahu's decision. This exchange highlighted a perceived lack of internal debate or independent ideology within the party, with senior ministers allegedly deferring all decisions to Netanyahu's tactical directives.

In a separate incident, Zohar reacted strongly to an Israeli film winning an award at the Venice Film Festival, calling the win "shocking" and accusing the filmmakers of treason. He announced his intention to seek the revocation of their Israeli citizenship, a move described as legally baseless and intended solely for political posturing.

Critics argue that such empty threats, while potentially appealing to a domestic base, damage Israel's international image and provide ammunition to its detractors. The article suggests that Zohar's actions reflect a broader trend within Likud, prioritizing blind obedience and superficial populism over national interest and international standing.