Netanyahu Silences Likud Voices Ahead of Elections, Analysts Say
Translated & summarized from Mako by baba
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is reportedly silencing prominent Likud politicians like Dudi Amsalem, Miri Regev, and Yaakov Bardugo ahead of elections, according to political analysts. They believe Netanyahu sees these figures as potential liabilities and is focusing the campaign solely on himself to project a unified image. Media data shows a significant drop in interviews for senior Likud members across various outlets, including those friendly to the party. Analysts suggest this is a deliberate strategy to control the narrative and distance the party from controversial figures and past failures.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Prime Minister Netanyahu is allegedly silencing key Likud politicians like Amsalem, Regev, and Bardugo before elections.
- Analysts claim Netanyahu views these figures as potential liabilities and wants to focus the campaign solely on himself.
- Data shows a significant decrease in media appearances for senior Likud members.
- This strategy aims to control the narrative and present a more unified party image.
- Bardugo himself confirmed he is being silenced and not allowed to speak publicly.
- The move contrasts with Netanyahu's past election campaigns where party figures were actively promoted.
Several prominent Likud politicians, including Dudi Amsalem, Miri Regev, and Yaakov Bardugo, have significantly reduced their public appearances and media interviews in recent weeks, a phenomenon attributed by political analysts to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's strategy ahead of the upcoming elections. This silencing is seen as an effort to control the narrative and present a more unified, less controversial image of the Likud party.
Analysts suggest Netanyahu is deliberately sidelining these figures, whom he perceives as potential liabilities or "toxic" elements that could alienate voters. Merav Betito, a political commentator, stated that Netanyahu "hides everyone," regardless of their background, to focus the spotlight solely on himself. Aviv Bushinsky, a former media advisor to Netanyahu, echoed this sentiment, explaining that Netanyahu believes these politicians would say things he doesn't want aired and do not benefit him, likening them to "interferers" in his campaign.
Bardugo himself acknowledged the situation, stating on Channel 14, "They are silencing me, yes? I am not allowed to respond, not allowed to speak." Bushinsky elaborated that Bardugo, known for his strong opinions, is being kept off air because his pronouncements on issues like firing military officials or the Attorney General could alienate moderate voters that Netanyahu needs to win back. Barak Seri added that Netanyahu prefers to surround himself with English-speaking, Ashkenazi individuals who project a sense of calm and stateliness.
Data from "Scooper" shows a sharp decline in media exposure for senior Likud members. For instance, Miri Regev's interviews dropped from 33 to eight, while Israel Katz and Ofir Katz also saw significant reductions. Even prominent figures like Yariv Levin and Nir Barkat had zero interviews. This trend extends to Likud-friendly media, with Channel 14 seeing a decrease in interviews with party leaders from 59 to 31.
This strategy marks a shift from past election campaigns where senior party members were actively deployed to media outlets. Bushinsky recalled that in the late 1990s, Netanyahu encouraged figures like Silvan Shalom to engage with the media. Now, however, Netanyahu appears to be consolidating his image as the sole brand and leader, believing that any other prominent voice would only detract from his message of resilience and singular leadership, especially in the wake of the October 7th failures.
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