Netanyahu Advisor Topaz Luk Apologizes After Reposting Haredi Cartoon
Prime Ministerial advisor Topaz Luk apologized Tuesday after mistakenly reposting a cartoon showing ultra-Orthodox leaders with Avigdor Lieberman, later praising the Haredi community.
Topaz Luk, an advisor to the Israeli Prime Minister, sparked widespread public backlash on Tuesday after reposting a controversial political cartoon on social media depicting ultra-Orthodox party leaders alongside Yisrael Beytenu Chairman Avigdor Lieberman. Luk deleted the post hours later, issuing an apology and claiming the repost was a mistake.
The cartoon, originally published on the X account known as "HaMetsuda" which is affiliated with the Likud party, portrays Avigdor Lieberman seemingly serving ultra-Orthodox leaders, including Degel HaTorah faction lawmaker Yaakov Asher and Construction Minister Yitzhak Goldknopf. The artwork emerged in response to recent political reports and statements indicating that ultra-Orthodox factions are not entirely ruling out a coalition with the change bloc, while Lieberman has softened his previous strict stance against them.
Following sharp criticism, Luk removed the shared post and addressed the public on social media. "I saw that some people were upset by a repost that was done by mistake," Luk wrote in his apology. "Let there be no mistakes: I love the ultra-Orthodox public, appreciate them, and maintain warm ties with many among them. For me, they are brothers, partners, and an inseparable part of Israeli society and our camp."
Luk further elaborated on his stance, shifting the political criticism back toward opposition figures. "This is a public with a huge heart, a public that volunteers, saves lives, and assists families without asking questions," Luk added. "Lieberman, Lapid, and Bennett have spent years making political capital from incitement against the ultra-Orthodox public, and these things must not be forgotten."
