Roni Mana Slams Netanyahu's UN Trip as Election Ploy

Businessman Roni Mana, formerly close to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, has escalated his public criticism of the premier. In a combative social media post, Mana launched an unprecedented attack on Netanyahu's planned speech at the UN in New York, accusing him of narrow political motives.

"Save us the trouble, you're going to New York to speak to your base, don't feed us lies," Mana wrote, asserting that the trip was solely for electioneering. He sharply criticized Netanyahu's handling of security and diplomatic affairs, stating, "First protect IDF soldiers in Israel, then worry about world leaders. You've ruined the State of Israel, everyone is against us."

Mana also addressed recent violent incidents in the West Bank, questioning why Netanyahu had not stopped "a gang of criminals who carried out a pogrom." He suggested that Netanyahu could have arrested and imprisoned the perpetrators but chose not to for electoral reasons, contributing to international opposition against Israel.

To prevent Netanyahu from exploiting the international stage, Mana proposed an unusual measure: "I suggest all television channels broadcast the speech with a fifteen-minute delay and remove all his election campaign material from it." He concluded with a direct plea, "Bibi, stay home, do everyone a favor," highlighting the deep rift and public animosity between them.

Mana had previously criticized Netanyahu's voters, pointing to economic disparities and civilian burdens. He wrote, "We, the suckers, will do reserve duty and pay taxes." He expressed bewilderment at Netanyahu's supporters, describing them as struggling financially and gambling with their lives by voting for the prime minister.