Gideon Sa'ar Breaks Coalition Boycott to Interview on Channel 12
Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar continues to interview with Channel 12 despite a coalition boycott, stating his office acts under instructions from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Likud headquarters.
Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar continues to grant interviews to Channel 12, despite a boycott declared by many coalition members against the network following the controversy surrounding Force 100 soldiers. Following his appearance on Saturday night, his office provided a clear explanation: Sa'ar is acting in accordance with instructions from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and the Likud election headquarters.
The boycott against Channel 12 began after the broadcast of footage from the Sde Teiman affair. Coalition ministers and Knesset members announced they would refuse to be interviewed on the network until it apologizes to the Force 100 soldiers, removes the publications, and takes action against those responsible for the broadcast. To date, these demands have not been met.
The return to Channel 12 studios gains additional significance amid recent security developments. The Shin Bet filed a complaint with the Military Censor following the publication of Prime Minister Netanyahu's visit to the United Arab Emirates while his plane was still outside Israel, which officials argued endangered the prime minister and other senior figures.
In response to inquiries, Sa'ar's office stated: "The minister acts and grants interviews—including on Channel 12—in accordance with the directives of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and the Likud election headquarters." This comes amid reports of an internal debate within the Likud campaign regarding engagement with the channel.
