Netanyahu Claims 'Deep State' Exists in Israel During TV Interview

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu appeared on an interview with Ayla Hasson on Kan 11 Wednesday evening, where he was questioned about his decision to grant interviews only during election periods. Netanyahu explained his motivation, stating, "I am concerned, there is a tie, so I want to get the right to vote." Hasson then pressed Netanyahu regarding reports of an Egyptian plane landing at an Israeli airport, telling him, "I think if you cannot crack something like this, it's a problem. It's very strange." Netanyahu responded, "In the deep state, it is very difficult." When Hasson asked if he believed a "deep state" existed in Israel, Netanyahu turned the question back to her, asking, "What do I think? What do you think?" Hasson remained silent for several seconds, looking down. Netanyahu then asserted, "Of course there is a deep state here." Online commentators interpreted Hasson's silence as an admission, with the "The Seventh Eye" website writing that Hasson was "enlisting in silence to spread Netanyahu's conspiracy theories." A "deep state" is defined as a network of powerful individuals within state mechanisms, such as security forces, the judiciary, police, and public service, who allegedly operate independently of elected officials. Netanyahu also addressed a defamation lawsuit filed against him by Shin Bet head Ronen Bar, calling the claims "all lies" and timed to cause him to lose the election.