Netanyahu Seeks Interviews on Channels He Previously Targeted
Translated & summarized from Israel Hayom by baba
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has recently given interviews to Galei Tzahal and the public broadcasting corporation "Kan," outlets previously targeted by Communications Minister Shlomo Karai for potential closure or budget cuts. This shift in media strategy follows recent opinion polls showing unfavorable political trends for Netanyahu and a lawsuit challenging his claims. The article suggests Karai has been an ineffective minister, with "Kan" continuing its operations and Galei Tzahal expected to remain open.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Prime Minister Netanyahu is giving interviews to Galei Tzahal and "Kan," outlets previously targeted by Minister Karai.
- Minister Karai announced the completion of his mission to curb the public broadcasting corporation "Kan."
- Karai also proposed closing Galei Tzahal, calling it a "political stronghold."
- Recent polls show shifts in political support, potentially influencing Netanyahu's media strategy.
- Netanyahu is reportedly avoiding a debate with Gadi Eisenkot, preferring controlled interviews.
Minister of Communications Shlomo Karai announced on July 26th that his mission to curb the public broadcasting corporation "Kan" was complete, following the passage of a communications law that significantly impacts the corporation. Karai, who referred to "Kan" and its staff as a "monster against the public," had previously stated the law would cut 25 million shekels from its budget. The High Court of Justice, however, tempered the minister's enthusiasm, though Karai vowed to continue efforts to reduce the corporation's influence. In March 2025, Karai also proposed closing the military radio station Galei Tzahal, calling it a "political stronghold detached from its original purpose" and harmful to national cohesion during wartime.
Recent opinion polls showing shifts in political support, including a rise for Ofer Winter and Itamar Ben-Gvir, and a potential coalition between Bezalel Smotrich and Noam Feiglin, alongside Avigdor Lieberman's stated ambition to become prime minister, appear to have prompted a change in Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's media strategy. Additionally, a lawsuit filed by Ronen Bar has challenged many of Netanyahu's claims. Consequently, Netanyahu has recently appeared for interviews on Galei Tzahal and "Kan," outlets previously targeted by Karai and the Prime Minister for their journalistic independence.
Netanyahu is reportedly avoiding a televised debate with Gadi Eisenkot, who leads him in most polls, preferring controlled interviews. The article suggests that Karai may be the most unsuccessful Communications Minister in Israeli history, as "Kan" continues to operate with its budget intact, and Galei Tzahal is expected to continue recruiting soldiers. The author speculates that further unfavorable polls might even lead Netanyahu to agree to an interview with Al Jazeera, or alternatively, Channel 12, implying a desperate search for favorable media platforms amidst political pressure.
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