Likud MK Boaz Bismuth accuses media of targeting Netanyahu over Egypt intel. reports, Qatargate

Likud MK Boaz Bismuth accused the media of conducting a campaign against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, claiming reports about a possible pre-October 7 visit by former Egyptian intelligence chief Abbas Kamel and leaked messages from Netanyahu adviser Yonatan Urich are politically motivated. Bismuth defended Netanyahu and criticized former Shin Bet chief Yoram Cohen for comparing the prime minister to a false messiah.

Likud MK Boaz Bismuth, chairman of the Knesset Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee, accused the media on Wednesday of conducting a campaign against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. In an interview with 103FM, Bismuth claimed that reports concerning a possible pre-October 7 visit by former Egyptian intelligence chief Abbas Kamel and leaked private messages belonging to Netanyahu adviser Yonatan Urich were being used to politically undermine the prime minister. Bismuth strongly defended Netanyahu and criticized former Shin Bet chief Yoram Cohen for comparing the prime minister to the 17th-century Jewish false messiah Shabbetai Zevi. Bismuth said Netanyahu supporters were being subjected to offensive comparisons. Regarding the Egyptian intelligence controversy, Bismuth defended Netanyahu's handling of sensitive intelligence matters, arguing the prime minister does not disclose material that could benefit him. Bismuth also criticized the publication of Urich's private WhatsApp messages, alleging they were obtained through unauthorized access and that some had been altered, though these allegations have not been independently established. He accused journalists who reported on the messages of celebrating a criminal violation of privacy. Bismuth rejected questions about his loyalty to Netanyahu despite being placed 21st on the Likud electoral list, insisting his support was based on political preference.