Leaked messages from an advisor to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu have brought renewed scrutiny to the relationship between his reelection campaign and prominent figures in "Israel’s" media, with exchanges reportedly showing a leading political analyst offering advice on campaign messaging.
In an analysis published by Semafor, the publication's co-founder and editor-in-chief Ben Smith examines the implications of messages from the WhatsApp account of Netanyahu aide Jonatan Urich. Haaretz reported on Sunday that it had verified the leaked material.
The breach comes ahead of "Israel’s" October 27 elections, as Netanyahu’s campaign faces a series of leaks and scandals surrounding his political circle.
Leaked exchanges show campaign advice
The messages reportedly include conversations between Urich and Amit Segal, Channel 12 News’ chief political analyst and host of Meet the Press, a prominent political program.
According to the report, Segal offered suggestions on campaign videos and messaging, arguing that Netanyahu’s handling of the aftermath of the Palestinian Resistance's October 7 operation remained his central political advantage. Segal also reportedly said he had conveyed similar advice to Netanyahu’s campaign spokeswoman.
In another exchange, Urich shared a speech Netanyahu was planning to deliver.
The messages have prompted questions about the distinction between journalistic analysis and political campaign assistance, particularly given Segal’s standing as one of "Israel’s" most prominent political commentators.
Segal declined to discuss the messages on the record, according to Smith’s report. He later addressed the controversy on Channel 12, describing his exchanges with political figures as part of a “very delicate tango between the journalist and the subject of their coverage.”
He also said that people he had covered over the years had given him draft speeches and asked for his thoughts.
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