Inside Israel's Political Arena: The Speechwriters Behind the Leaders
Translated & summarized from Kikar HaShabbat by baba
Several Israeli politicians, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, utilize professional speechwriters for their public addresses. Dr. Hagai Harif has been a long-term speechwriter for Netanyahu, with fees detailed for various writing services. Other ministers and former prime ministers like Miri Regev and Naftali Bennett have also employed speechwriters, with associated costs and names revealed. Benny Gantz was notably assisted in crafting his speeches by former MK Hili Tropper.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu employs speechwriter Dr. Hagai Harif, with detailed fee structures for his services.
- Transportation Minister Miri Regev and former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett also utilized professional speechwriters.
- Speechwriters' fees vary based on text length, with annual retainers reported for some.
- Former MK Hili Tropper was instrumental in drafting speeches for Benny Gantz.
- Netanyahu reportedly edits and adds significantly to his major international speeches himself.
While Israeli politicians are known for their public speaking, many rely on professional speechwriters to craft their most impactful addresses. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, famous for his dramatic UN speeches, including the 2012 presentation with a drawn "red line" on a bomb graphic, utilizes the services of Dr. Hagai Harif, who has worked with him since 2013. Harif's fees range from NIS 320 for short texts to NIS 2,200 for speeches over 1,000 words, with his annual retainer reportedly starting at NIS 150,000 and rising to NIS 180,000. Netanyahu also reportedly employs an un-named English speechwriter and collaborates on major international speeches with advisors like former minister Ron Dermer, though he personally edits and adds significant portions.
Other government figures also employ speechwriters. Transportation Minister Miri Regev and her ministry reportedly used journalist and author Hanan Amior. In the past, former MK Galit Distel-Atbaryan wrote speeches for Regev when she was Culture Minister. Former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett appointed two speechwriters, Chen Kots Bar and Rani Raviv, during his term. Raviv continues to write for President Isaac Herzog and previously worked for former Prime Minister Ehud Olmert. Kots Bar and Raviv reportedly earned around NIS 45,000 each by the end of 2021, with specific rates for different lengths and types of texts.
Former MK Hili Tropper was a key figure in drafting speeches and party platforms for Benny Gantz since the formation of the Blue and White party, though he left in May 2026. Journalist Yehuda Shachat also reportedly took a leave to assist Gantz with speechwriting. Tropper notably wrote Gantz's January 2019 speech launching Blue and White, an address credited with significantly boosting Gantz's political standing.