PR Executive Slams Netanyahu Over Election Video Targeting Arab Citizens

Public relations executive Rani Rahav has sharply criticized Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on social media platform X, reacting to a campaign video posted by Netanyahu. Rahav accused the Prime Minister of inciting against Arab citizens of Israel and questioned his handling of security, political, and social issues.

Netanyahu's video warned that if the Likud party (Mahl) does not win, Mansour Abbas would become Interior Minister under Gantz, leading to the arrival of hundreds of thousands of Palestinians through family reunification, which he claimed would be the end of Israel as a Jewish state. Rahav responded, "Benjamin Netanyahu, stop the incitement against Arab citizens of Israel! For four years of war, they have been with us! Unlike your Haredi friends, who do not believe in the Zionist state and think we should return to the Mandate era!"

Rahav further questioned Netanyahu's rhetoric by highlighting the contributions of Arab citizens to Israel's healthcare system, asking, "Tell me, Benjamin, aren't you tired of inciting? Who is your doctor? Who is your pharmacist? Who are our nurses and doctors in hospitals? Stop the incitement!"

Beyond the video, Rahav also blamed Netanyahu for the events of October 7th, international sanctions against Israel, and for not acting against actions by "Hilltop Youth" activists. He criticized the state of the police, prosecution, and courts, as well as the issue of Haredi conscription into the IDF, stating, "You are responsible for crime in the country, you are responsible for the destruction of the police, the prosecution, and the court, you are responsible for the evasion law, and because of it, thousands of your Haredi friends are not enlisting." Rahav concluded his remarks with "Shame, shame!"

This is not the first time Rahav has voiced strong criticism against Netanyahu. Once close to the Prime Minister, Rahav has become a prominent critic on social media in recent years, calling on Netanyahu to take responsibility. Rahav has previously pointed to the judicial reform and the government's conflict with the judiciary as turning points, and since the outbreak of the Swords of Iron War, his criticism has expanded to include October 7th and the government's wartime conduct. Rahav has also frequently attacked ministers and coalition members, including Bezalel Smotrich and Itamar Ben-Gvir, criticizing the government's domestic and foreign policies.