Manipulating the Media

It is high time that Israel’s TV channels stopped allowing themselves to be manipulated by Benjamin Netanyahu into allowing him to use prime-time television during their evening news broadcasts to tell untruths, criticize the Opposition, reach out to his supporters and sow discord within Israeli society.

As an organization representing over 1000 aircrew put it: “… we saw a … Prime Minister who, instead of unifying, once again chose incitement, division and spreading hatred”.

Of course, at times of uncertainty when we are having to deal with rocket attacks and terrorist assaults on our civilian population, it is perfectly legitimate for the Prime Minister to address the nation.

However, that does not give him license to take advantage of the opportunity to criticize those who were previously in power, and blame them for everything that has transpired since then in order to strengthen his electoral base.

Next time Bibi tries to exploit prime-time television by using the press conference to cast aspersions on Opposition leaders and those who don’t support him, the producer should immediately cut to another item and not collaborate.

Television companies may be anxious about possible reprisals. However, he needs them more than they need him.