Netanyahu’s Surprise Appearance at Eden Ben Zaken Concert Sparks Calls for Boycott and Lawsuits

Last Thursday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his wife Sarah attended a concert by singer Eden Ben Zaken at Menora Mivtachim Arena in Tel Aviv, performing before tens of thousands. Netanyahu was given the opportunity to address the crowd and received warm greetings from Ben Zaken. The visit was described as a "surprise," raising eyebrows due to the extensive security preparations required for a prime minister’s public appearance.

The event took place amid the upcoming elections in about two months, fueling criticism on social media. Many accused Netanyahu of avoiding visits to bereaved families and hostages, choosing instead to appear only where he has supportive audiences. Ben Zaken also faced backlash, with critics saying attendees came to hear her sing, not to attend a Likud political rally. Some expressed disappointment over the mixing of politics with entertainment.

Among the critics was Maayan Sherman, mother of fallen IDF soldier Ron Sherman, who condemned support for Ben Zaken as disrespectful to her son’s memory. Social activist Ami Dror called for concertgoers to sue Ben Zaken for consumer fraud, arguing that Netanyahu’s presence turned a paid concert into a political event without prior notice. Dror urged fans to claim refunds for tickets, travel, and emotional distress.

In response, Likud supporter Victor Shriki dismissed these claims, comparing them to other political advertisements shown in cinemas and on social media, and defended Ben Zaken’s right to invite any guest to her performances.

This is not the first time Ben Zaken has collaborated with Netanyahu for election campaigns; in 2021, Netanyahu posted videos with her on election day. Despite the criticism, Ben Zaken included footage of Netanyahu and his wife in her concert recap video, showing no attempt to downplay the event’s political nature.