Netanyahu's Alleged Interest in Soccer Team Sparks Debate
Translated & summarized from Walla by baba
Commentator Shaul Meridor questioned Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's genuine interest in soccer, particularly for the Beitar Jerusalem team. Meridor suggested Netanyahu's desire to attend a recent match was for a photo opportunity rather than true fandom. He contrasted this with politician Gadi Eisenkot, implying Eisenkot would only attend if a true fan. Meridor also criticized the intersection of politics and sports, advocating for genuine support over political posturing.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Commentator Shaul Meridor questioned Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's soccer fandom.
- Meridor suggested Netanyahu's interest in attending a Beitar Jerusalem game was for a photo opportunity.
- Netanyahu reportedly did not attend the Beitar Jerusalem vs. Maccabi Tel Aviv match.
- Meridor stated Netanyahu was not a genuine soccer fan, despite being a Beitar supporter.
- Meridor contrasted Netanyahu's approach with that of politician Gadi Eisenkot.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's reported intention to attend a soccer match between Beitar Jerusalem and Maccabi Tel Aviv, which ultimately did not materialize, has sparked discussion about his connection to the sport. Shaul Meridor, a commentator, stated on air that he suggested that those who attended at least 20 percent of games in recent years should be allowed to attend. Meridor suggested Netanyahu was interested in the photo opportunity, questioning his genuine fandom. "Netanyahu is very fond of imagery and really wanted this picture," Meridor said, adding, "I am a Beitar fan my whole life and I also fight racism there. I don't like the connection between politics and sports, it doesn't bring us good things."
Meridor, a lifelong Beitar Jerusalem supporter, expressed skepticism about Netanyahu's allegiance to the team, stating, "If he were a Beitar fan, he would come." He elaborated that Netanyahu, even before becoming prime minister, rarely attended games unless they were high-profile with significant viewership. "This is not called a soccer fan, with all due respect. Is he a Beitar fan? No. In what way is he a Beitar fan?" Meridor contrasted this with Gadi Eisenkot, suggesting Eisenkot, who did not attend the game, is not one for performative gestures and would only attend if he were a genuine fan, implying a different style of leadership.
Meridor further commented on the nature of political involvement in sports, stating that politicians who genuinely love sports should attend their team's games, preferably in the stands. He asserted that Netanyahu's interest in soccer was not deep, noting, "Bibi was not interested in soccer. Anyone who is a soccer fan knows, you are in the game, your heart is in the game." Meridor believes attending a game solely for appearances is related to photo opportunities, a practice he associates less with Eisenkot.
