Culture Minister Miki Zohar Criticizes Media for Lack of Praise to Netanyahu and Defense Minister Katz

Israeli Culture and Sports Minister Miki Zohar expressed frustration over the lack of public and media praise for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Yoav Katz, particularly following the recent peace agreement with Lebanon. In a Monday interview with 103FM, Zohar questioned why the government’s achievements are not acknowledged, describing the media as hostile and intolerable. He argued that the media, rather than politicians, is the main obstacle to national unity.

Zohar emphasized that the government has long sought to form a broad coalition but has faced boycotts from opposition factions. He quoted Netanyahu’s consistent calls for a wide-ranging government and noted that more than half the population supports this approach. Zohar criticized those stuck in an anti-Netanyahu stance as outdated, stating that Netanyahu’s leadership has been clear and effective over the years.

Regarding potential political collaborations, including with parties like "Together" and "Yashar!", Zohar mentioned that figures such as Yair Lapid and Naftali Bennett currently oppose such unity. He stressed that until Bennett signals willingness to join a broad unity government, such cooperation remains unlikely. Zohar concluded by highlighting his party’s historic achievements in the Middle East and its stability, expressing hope that political actors will reconsider and support a wide coalition government.