Ex-Netanyahu Aide Questions Prime Minister's Faith

Dudi Zilbershlag, a Haredi media figure who previously worked closely with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and other Israeli leaders, has publicly expressed doubts about Netanyahu's genuine connection to faith and Judaism. In an interview on the 'Yossi Podcast' with Yossi Ben-Attar, Zilbershlag was asked which prime ministers he had worked with were truly connected to Judaism. He responded unequivocally, "None. Nothing."

When directly questioned if Netanyahu is "completely heretical," Zilbershlag avoided the specific term but stated, "I don't want to label him, but there are all sorts of behaviors there." He explicitly denied that Netanyahu is a believer when asked directly. Zilbershlag further elaborated that when Netanyahu uses religious phrases like "with God's help," he does not mean it sincerely, stating, "He doesn't belong to us." Zilbershlag asserted these claims stem from his close personal experience working with Netanyahu, admitting, "He was never my cup of tea."

Zilbershlag explained his assessment is also based on conversations with individuals close to Netanyahu. He highlighted a perceived discrepancy between Netanyahu's public image, which often incorporates traditional expressions and references to the Bible and Jewish heritage, and his private stance on faith. Zilbershlag suggested that Netanyahu's long-standing close ties with Haredi parties are driven by "sympathy of interests" rather than deep religious conviction.

Furthermore, Zilbershlag criticized Netanyahu's political conduct, alleging he has systematically undermined potential rivals within the right-wing camp. "Unfortunately, he destroyed the value of anyone with a drop of value in the right-wing camp before they could raise their head," Zilbershlag stated. He described it as a "cruel, cold-blooded political game" that left them without alternatives other than Netanyahu himself.

Zilbershlag also referenced Netanyahu's actions concerning the disengagement from Gaza and the evacuation of Gush Katif settlements, arguing these decisions also reveal a gap between the image Netanyahu cultivated among religious and Haredi communities and his actual policy choices, concluding, "He is leading us astray."