Rapper Azealia Banks Endorses Israeli Ultra-Orthodox Politician
Translated & summarized from Kipa by baba
American rapper Azealia Banks has surprisingly endorsed Moti Lightner, leader of the ultra-Orthodox Haredi Public Party, in Israel's elections via social media. Banks, who lives in Israel but cannot vote, praised Lightner's Hebrew and urged Israelis to elect him. The rapper has had a tumultuous relationship with Israel, previously criticizing the country and its leadership before recently moving to Tel Aviv.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Rapper Azealia Banks endorsed Moti Lightner's ultra-Orthodox party in Israel's elections.
- Banks praised Lightner's Hebrew and urged Israelis to vote for him.
- The rapper currently lives in Israel but lacks voting rights.
- Banks has had a complex and changing relationship with Israel.
- She recently moved to Tel Aviv to work on new music.
American rapper Azealia Banks has publicly endorsed Moti Lightner, the leader of an ultra-Orthodox party, in Israel's upcoming elections. Banks announced her support on the social media platform X, stating, "I support the Haredi Public Party," and praising Lightner's Hebrew, calling it "so classy." She urged voters to choose him, expressing a desire to see the world surprised by an "Orthodox millennial Jew who knows exactly how to operate in his arena." Banks, who currently resides in Israel but does not have voting rights, described the potential outcome as "pop culture" and encouraged voters not to choose "Western stooges."
Banks, 35, rose to international fame in 2011 with her hit "212." She has a history of provocative statements and has been a frequent subject of controversy. Her relationship with Israel has been complex; she performed in the country in 2018 but later claimed she would not return due to alleged racist treatment. However, she reversed her stance in 2025, declaring herself a Zionist and performing in Tel Aviv draped in the Israeli flag. More recently, in March, she sharply criticized Israel and Prime Minister Netanyahu, but earlier this month announced she had moved to Tel Aviv to work on new music with Israeli producer Yinon Yahel.