Likud Ministers Reverse Boycott, Resume Interviews with Channel 12 Despite No Apology to IDF Unit 100

Several prominent Likud members, including Communications Minister Shlomo Karhi and MK Boaz Bismuth, have reversed their boycott of Israel's Channel 12, deciding to resume interviews despite the channel's failure to apologize to IDF Unit 100 soldiers. The boycott began about eight months ago after Channel 12 was accused of defaming the soldiers and refusing to issue an apology. Karhi, who had publicly vowed in January not to appear on Channel 12 until an apology was made, explained his change of heart by emphasizing the need not to abandon the media arena to left-wing channels and to reach supporters who do not watch Channel 14.

Bismuth also indicated he would follow any decision made by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu regarding cooperation with Channel 12. Other Likud ministers and MKs have expressed opposition to ending the boycott without an apology, but the party leadership, led by Netanyahu, has instructed members to return to interviews on the channel. Netanyahu himself has avoided appearances on left-leaning media in recent years, and it remains unclear if he will personally resume interviews on Channel 12.

The decision reflects a strategic move by Likud to engage a broader audience beyond their traditional base, acknowledging that the media space dominated by left-wing outlets has been left uncontested. The return to Channel 12 interviews includes other ministers such as Yoav Kish, Amichai Shikli, and Avi Dichter, although Dichter's participation is uncertain due to his low position on the party list. The controversy centers on Channel 12's treatment of Unit 100 soldiers and the ongoing demand for a formal apology, which the channel has yet to provide.