Minister Miki Zohar Criticizes Media for Undermining Government Achievements and Urges Unity on Draft Issue

Minister Miki Zohar of the Likud party sharply criticized the Israeli media for what he described as their refusal to fairly acknowledge the government's accomplishments. In an interview on 103fm with Amichai Etali and Gideon Oko, Zohar said the media should have praised Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Yoav Gallant for the recent agreement reached with Lebanon instead of attacking them. He lamented the lack of compliments toward the government leadership and accused the press of exaggerating and distorting government actions, which he claimed the public does not believe.

Zohar emphasized the government's desire for national unity and a broad coalition but blamed opposition boycotts and hostile media coverage for obstructing these goals. He stated, "The hostile media continues to behave intolerably, I cannot praise you. Much of the media prevents unity in this country alongside government opponents."

Addressing the ongoing draft crisis involving the ultra-Orthodox community, Zohar expressed opposition to roadblocks and attempts to vilify the Haredim. He proposed establishing a dedicated Haredi military unit to enable young men to serve without fearing the loss of their lifestyle, noting that the existing Netzah Yehuda Battalion is insufficient for the community's needs. When challenged by the interviewer, Zohar declined to publicly criticize the Haredim, describing his approach as open to dialogue rather than defeatist or accusatory. He concluded by reaffirming his commitment to engaging with the Haredi community to resolve the draft issue.