Netanyahu Aides Censor October 7 Questions Before Canceled Interview

Advisors to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reportedly removed questions about the October 7th attacks from a list prepared for an interview with the prime minister. The incident came to light on Sunday, October 25th, according to Gal Shinotar, chairwoman of the Tel Aviv University Student Association, who had been invited to the Likud party headquarters for the interview.

Shinotar stated that upon her arrival, Topaz Luk, an advisor to the prime minister, began editing her prepared questions. While Netanyahu was filming a campaign video, Luk and other colleagues reviewed Shinotar's list, deciding which topics were permissible. They informed Shinotar that subjects related to October 7th and state investigative commissions were "not currently serving the campaign's interests." The Likud campaign manager and Mayor of Bat Yam, Zvika Brot, was also present during this review.

The interview was ultimately canceled. Shinotar had been told she would have a unique opportunity to interview the prime minister on any topic. However, she reported that she was eventually dictated questions and that her ability to film the meeting independently was revoked. She also noted that the university was being characterized as a "nest of traitors" and "Palestine," and that advisors suggested rephrasing a question about this perception.

Other censored questions reportedly concerned Netanyahu's responsibility for the October 7th events, his plans for continuing judicial reforms, the government's funding of educational institutions lacking core subjects, and the perceived advantages given to Arab students in university admissions over Jewish applicants.

The Likud party issued a statement to Ynet, denying the report and claiming the filming was canceled at 1:30 AM due to the prime minister's "tight schedule." They asserted the interview could have been rescheduled within the week.