Israeli Politicians Bypass Traditional Media for Influencer Interviews
Israeli politicians are increasingly bypassing traditional media to engage with social media influencers ahead of the upcoming elections. Content creator Shiraz Shukrun recently interviewed Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and other leaders for her new web series, sparking intense online engagement and public debate.
The landscape of Israeli election campaigns is undergoing a significant transformation, with politicians increasingly bypassing traditional media outlets in favor of digital creators and social media influencers. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and other prominent political figures have recently turned to popular influencers to reach younger demographics ahead of the upcoming Knesset elections.
The Rise of Influencer Interviews
While politicians previously favored established podcasts or friendly talk shows, the final stretch of the election cycle has seen a shift toward direct engagement with social media stars. Shiraz Shukrun, a 22-year-old content creator and business administration student with over half a million followers across TikTok and Instagram, launched a new web series titled "I Don't Know Who to Vote For." Within this framework, she has already filmed interviews with both Prime Minister Netanyahu and former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett.
Shukrun's interview with Netanyahu generated substantial traction online, drawing hundreds of thousands of views on Instagram within hours of its release. During the conversation, Netanyahu addressed several key issues, including the debate over capital punishment for terrorists, arguing that its implementation depends on the judiciary. He also defended past policies regarding funds transferred to the Gaza Strip, stating the resources were allocated for vital civil infrastructure such as sanitation, power pumps, and teacher salaries to prevent humanitarian crises, rather than bolstering Hamas militarily. Furthermore, the prime minister labeled Iran the "head of the octopus" and emphasized that he and his close ally, U.S. President Donald Trump, must complete the mission of neutralizing the Iranian threat.
Expanding Political Access and Public Reaction
Shukrun explained that the initiative began after she posted content regarding the elections to encourage civic engagement among the younger generation. Following outreach from political aides and her own initiative, she secured interviews with multiple figures across the political spectrum, including Itamar Ben Gvir and Tali Gotliv, with more lawmakers slated to appear.
Despite the massive reach, the creator noted that the foray into hard politics has drawn mixed reactions from her audience. While she gained thousands of new followers following the teaser release, she also experienced a wave of unfollows from users dissatisfied with her hosting specific politicians. Shukrun stressed that her goal remains strictly non-partisan: providing a platform for the younger generation to understand the political landscape without telling them how to vote.
