Will Bibi bring down Israel's public broadcasting?
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has been redoubling his efforts to squash the new public broadcasting corporation before it is even born in his quest to control the media.
In the course of his intensive coalition negotiations with Zionist Camp leader Isaac Herzog for the establishment of a unity government, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was asked to transfer the communications portfolio to Herzog’s party. “Forget about it,” said Netanyahu, according to a political source who spoke on condition of anonymity. “I’d give you the premiership before the Communications Ministry.”
In the last seven years, Netanyahu has inched closer to autocratic rule than any other Israeli leader. He fortified his rulership and has consolidated several key government ministries under his wing. In addition to the premiership, Netanyahu also serves as foreign minister, communications minister, economy minister and regional development minister, in addition to other functions. Though the Communications Ministry is seen as an underfunded and small ministry, Netanyahu has no intentions of ever relinquishing it.
