New Right-Wing Party Candidate's Past Statements Spark Controversy
Translated & summarized from Srugim by baba
Netali Shem Tov, a candidate for Ofer Winter's right-wing 'Am Israel' party, is facing criticism for past statements, including calling bus segregation in the West Bank a "disgrace" and expressing regret over civilian deaths in Gaza. Her past writings and social media posts suggest a more dovish stance than the party's platform. The party defended her, stating she has a long history of right-wing positions and is being targeted by political rivals.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Netali Shem Tov, a candidate for the right-wing 'Am Israel' party, has made past statements that appear to contradict the party's platform.
- She previously called bus segregation in the West Bank a "disgrace" and questioned the role of B'Tselem cameras.
- Shem Tov expressed regret over innocent civilian deaths in Gaza, citing concerns about legitimacy and public diplomacy.
- Her past activities also link her to a left-wing organization supported by the New Israel Fund.
- The 'Am Israel' party defended Shem Tov, calling the criticism politically motivated.
Netali Shem Tov, a former news anchor who joined Ofer Winter's right-wing 'Am Israel' party in August, has come under scrutiny for past social media posts and articles that appear to contradict the party's hawkish stance. An examination of her decade-old online archive reveals statements that have raised questions about her alignment with the party's ideology.
Among the controversial remarks, Shem Tov referred to the separation of Palestinians and Jews on buses in the West Bank as a "disgrace" and a "blow to Israeli democracy." She also questioned the role of B'Tselem cameras during the Elior Azaria incident in 2016, asking what would have happened without them. During Operation Arrow of Protection in Gaza prior to October 7th, she expressed regret over the deaths of innocent civilians, stating that "terrorists use them as human shields." Shem Tov also noted that such deaths have implications for legitimacy and public diplomacy, citing Minister Karai's supposed agreement.
These statements place Shem Tov significantly to the left of Winter's perceived political position. The scrutiny follows similar controversy surrounding Yosef Haddad's remarks on supporting a Palestinian state. Shem Tov's past also includes criticism of left-wing Knesset members for being more concerned with international opinion than domestic issues. She is currently in a party that reportedly advocates for the emigration of Gazans.
Further complicating the picture, Shem Tov is listed as a team leader for the "Movement for Public Journalism" on the North, an organization founded by left-wing activist Yair Trachitzky. The New Israel Fund is listed as a partner on the movement's website, and records show the fund provided a $20,000 grant to the movement in 2019.
In response to the controversy, the 'Am Israel' party stated that Shem Tov has paid heavy prices for her right-wing positions over the years and does not need to prove her allegiance. They asserted that "those who want to preserve the monopoly and political business" are behind the criticism and that the public desires new leadership on the right.
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