Tal Gilboa Unofficially Assumes Spokesperson Role for Benjamin Netanyahu

Despite the official cancellation of Tal Gilboa's appointment as spokesperson for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu about six months ago due to past controversial statements, she has effectively been serving in this role in recent days.

Gilboa was recently added to the official WhatsApp group of the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) spokesperson division and is routinely involved in the daily media operations of the office. On Thursday, she published the Prime Minister's official schedule, a task strictly associated with the formal spokesperson team. Gilboa is also handling press inquiries and is involved in preparations for the Prime Minister's upcoming address at the UN General Assembly in New York.

Cancelled Appointment and Unofficial Return

This development is particularly notable given that in late March of this year, Gilboa's official appointment as spokesperson was completely shelved. At the time, it was reported that Gilboa, who serves as the Prime Minister's advisor on animal rights, was set to replace Ziv Agmon, who resigned following a separate controversy.

However, shortly after the planned appointment was announced, past statements made by Gilboa resurfaced, sparking intense public criticism. Following the backlash, the decision was made not to officially appoint her as the Prime Minister's spokesperson.

At the time, Gilboa addressed the controversy, claiming her past remarks were old and taken out of context, adding that she was unfazed by what she described as a "persecution campaign." She subsequently continued her work as the Prime Minister's advisor on animal welfare.

Now, months after the official appointment was rescinded, she has effectively returned to the center of media operations at Netanyahu's office—this time without a formal title, but with full access to the spokesperson apparatus and performing public duties identical to the role.

The Prime Minister's Office has not yet provided a comment on the matter.