Rapper 'HaTzel' Admits Receiving Campaign Funds from Minister Ben-Gvir
Translated & summarized from Ice by baba
Rapper and activist Yoav Eliasi, known as 'HaTzel,' admitted to working for and receiving payment from Minister of National Security Itamar Ben-Gvir for campaign assistance. Eliasi confirmed this in a Channel 13 interview, also revealing past work with other politicians and offers from the political left. This admission deepens the known alliance between Eliasi and Ben-Gvir, which has included public support and honorary police ranks. Eliasi had previously released a video criticizing Prime Minister Netanyahu's treatment of Ben-Gvir.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Rapper Yoav Eliasi, 'HaTzel,' admitted receiving campaign funds from Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir.
- Eliasi confirmed his work for Ben-Gvir's election campaign in a Channel 13 interview.
- He also mentioned past work with former PM Naftali Bennett and offers from the political left.
- Eliasi previously criticized PM Netanyahu's handling of Ben-Gvir in a viral video.
- The collaboration between Eliasi and Ben-Gvir includes public support and honorary police ranks.
Rapper and right-wing activist Yoav Eliasi, known as 'HaTzel' (The Shadow), has admitted for the first time that he is working for and assisting Minister of National Security Itamar Ben-Gvir with his election campaign. Eliasi made the comments in an interview with HaTzinor reporter Bar Sham-Or on Channel 13, which aired Monday. When directly asked if he had received payment from the minister for his online activities and assistance, Eliasi did not deny it, responding vaguely about the influencer industry: "Can I not answer? Influencers get paid, I'm telling you that unequivocally."
Eliasi also revealed that Ben-Gvir is not the only political figure he has worked with, mentioning past connections with former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett. He stated that he had also received offers for cooperation from the "change bloc," representing the political left. Eliasi described the financial and reputational benefits of his online attacks, noting that "if I put someone on the grill whom I don't like politically, sometimes they have a personal gain from the fact that HaTzel can't stand them."
The close relationship between Ben-Gvir and Eliasi has been a prominent alliance on the Israeli right, marked by consistent ideological support online and direct political cooperation. Eliasi has amplified Ben-Gvir's messages and defended him against criticism, while Ben-Gvir has provided Eliasi with full backing during public controversies. This collaboration escalated in July 2024 when Ben-Gvir granted Eliasi honorary police officer ranks following the establishment of a civilian security detail in Tel Aviv after the October 7th events.
The current admission of Eliasi's involvement in Ben-Gvir's election campaign and his work for him on social media marks a new phase in their relationship. Previously, Eliasi released a video criticizing Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for his perceived mistreatment of Ben-Gvir and his outreach to MK Gadi Eisenkot. Eliasi accused Netanyahu of abandoning allies like Ben-Gvir when politically pressured, stating, "Every time there are elections, when Netanyahu is pressured, he throws these people under the bus."