Some Likud Members Refuse to Return to Channel 12 Interviews Despite Netanyahu's Directive

Following a long boycott of Channel 12 by many Likud ministers and MKs due to the channel's refusal to apologize to Unit 100 fighters for defamation, the party leadership is now considering ending the boycott ahead of the elections. This decision, reportedly ordered by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, aims to broaden the party's media outreach beyond right-wing Channel 14 to include left-leaning audiences on Channel 12.

However, several prominent Likud figures have publicly rejected the directive. Justice Minister Yariv Levin stated he has no intention of appearing on Channel 12, noting he had avoided the channel even before the boycott began. Economy Minister Nir Barkat, founder of the "Defamation 12" fund, also firmly refused to return to Channel 12 interviews. MK Tali Gottlieb called the idea "shameful" and reaffirmed her commitment not to break her pledge to avoid the channel.

The initial report by C14 about Likud officials resuming interviews on Channel 12 sparked controversy within the party, with many members quickly denying any cooperation. Despite this resistance, the party plans to schedule interviews for other senior members such as MK Boaz Bismuth, Ministers Yoav Kish and Amichai Shikli, and possibly Avi Dichter, although his low list placement makes his participation uncertain.

Netanyahu himself has so far avoided appearances on left-leaning media but has yet to decide whether he will personally return to Channel 12. The move reflects Likud's strategic recognition that limiting media exposure to Channel 14 alone restricts their reach to a broader electorate. The internal debate highlights tensions between party unity and individual members' principles regarding the boycott of Channel 12.