Due to election fears? Likud considers lifting the "boycott" on Channel 12

In Likud, discussions are underway to re-examine the boycott of Channel 12, as there is a growing understanding within the party that the decision to avoid appearances on the channel could harm the ability to reach large segments of the electorate. According to a report on Walla, sources in the party believe that ahead of the election campaign, it is necessary to reconsider the policy and examine a return to appearances on the channel.

The boycott was imposed following the coverage of the Sde Teiman affair, and in particular the "Force 100" affair, which became one of the main points of friction between Likud and the channel. However, now there are those in the party who estimate that the boycott itself has become a strategic limitation, mainly because it prevents Likud representatives from reaching viewers who do not consume the content of Channel 14.

According to the report, the Likud campaign understands that this is a significant media arena that cannot be ignored, especially ahead of a political period where exposure to broad audiences may be of importance. Alongside this, there is also internal criticism that the boycott was wrong from the start and harmed the party's ability to convey its messages to the public.

However, the possibility of lifting the boycott is not without conditions. According to the information, sources in the party demand that if the decision is changed, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu must back it publicly and clearly. This is to prevent a situation where Likud ministers return to being interviewed on the channel without a formal and clear decision having been made on the matter.

Another consideration on the table concerns timing. According to the report, there are sources who believe that even if it is decided to cancel the boycott, it would be correct to wait with the move until after the Likud primaries are held.

The background to the dispute returned to the headlines back in February, when Minister of Regional Cooperation David Amsalem appeared for an interview on Channel 12, contrary to the line adopted by many in Likud. The move sparked criticism from right-wing figures, including media personality Yinon Magal, who attacked Amsalem's decision.

Now, the possibility of canceling the boycott reflects a potential change in approach in Likud, where the central consideration is not necessarily a change in attitude toward the channel, but the understanding that the party needs a presence also in a media arena that reaches audiences who do not watch Channel 14, likely against the backdrop of the elections expected to take place in October.