TAU Student Union Head Cancels Netanyahu Interview Over Censorship
Tel Aviv University Student Union Chair Gal Shinoter canceled an interview with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu after aides censored her questions and barred independent filming.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's staff invited Tel Aviv University Student Union Chair Gal Shinoter to the Likud campaign headquarters for an interview, only to censor her questions and restrict independent filming. Shinoter arrived at midnight following an invitation mediated by Likud campaign director and Bat Yam Mayor Zvika Brot, and senior aide Topaz Luk.
According to Shinoter, while Netanyahu was playing ping-pong with activists for campaign footage, Luk and his associates reviewed her prepared questions. They crossed out several topics, stating that questions regarding the October 7 failures and a state commission of inquiry 'do not currently serve the campaign.' Shinoter was told the interview was a 'once-in-a-lifetime opportunity' and that she should be grateful, with aides eventually dictating specific phrasing for her questions.
The Tel Aviv University Student Union stated that prior arrangements guaranteed unlimited questioning and independent documentation. However, after waiting an hour and a half, Shinoter discovered these terms were violated. The Likud party denied the allegations, claiming the session was canceled due to scheduling constraints at 1:30 AM and would be rescheduled.
Among the deleted questions were inquiries regarding government funding for educational institutions lacking core curricula, the characterization of the university by political figures, tuition costs, and government accountability for the events of October 7. Shinoter ultimately refused to conduct the interview under these conditions and left the headquarters.
