Netanyahu's Ex-Advisor Questions Motives Behind UAE Trip

Nir Hefetz, former advisor to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, has expressed strong doubts regarding the necessity and transparency of Netanyahu's recent flight to meet with Mohammed bin Zayed, the ruler of the UAE. Hefetz suggested that during election periods, the Prime Minister's staff often manipulates the agenda to serve political interests, stating that Netanyahu successfully shifted the public discourse in his favor within the last 24 hours.

Hefetz elaborated that in election times, the staff's agenda and messaging needs completely dominate the Prime Minister's schedule. He recalled instances from his own tenure where he controlled Netanyahu's schedule during campaigns. Hefetz believes the urgent and seemingly secret trip to the UAE was not in Netanyahu's best interest, implying it was orchestrated to change the narrative to a more comfortable topic.

He further speculated that the primary purpose of the flight was for a photo opportunity, a tactic he admitted to employing himself with Netanyahu in the past. Hefetz also observed a significant increase in cynicism within the Prime Minister's office since he left in 2018, noting a departure from previous levels of "fake news" and labeling opponents as "traitors."

Casting further suspicion on the trip, Hefetz questioned why a private jet was used and why attempts were made to conceal the journey from the press. He also pointed to a lawsuit filed by Netanyahu's lawyer against the newspaper Haaretz on the same day, referencing Netanyahu's past saying that if something looks, walks, and quacks like a duck, it is a duck.

Hefetz concluded by predicting that Netanyahu will continue to manipulate the agenda as the elections approach, potentially strengthening his position. He noted a recent shift where the opposition's efforts to reach a majority have stalled, and Netanyahu appears to be gaining a slight advantage, suggesting the final ten days before the election will be decisive.