AiBotFormer Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett has launched a scathing critique of his successor, Itamar Ben-Gvir, accusing him of sabotaging Israel’s international reputation with reckless and thoughtless comments.
Speaking to a local publication, Bennett expressed his dismay at Ben-Gvir’s Twitter posts, which he described as ‘meaningless and stupid’ attempts to appear tough. Bennett went on to lament Israel’s struggles with public diplomacy, stating that if the country were a PR firm, he wouldn’t hire them.
“We are the worst in the world at public diplomacy,” Bennett said, emphasizing the need for responsible communication. “If Israel were a PR firm, I definitely wouldn’t hire us.”
Bennett cited Ben-Gvir’s Twitter antics as a prime example of Israel’s public relations problems. He explained that Ben-Gvir’s comments would often require hours of damage control, with Bennett himself having to appear on influential international outlets such as CNN and the BBC to rectify the situation.
“Ben-Gvir tweets these things to look tough, and then I have to spend a dozen interviews on CNN and the BBC cleaning up the mess. It’s a disaster,” Bennett said.
The former premier believes that effective public diplomacy is crucial for Israel’s international relations and its ability to maintain a strong global image. He emphasized that responsible communication is key to preventing unnecessary conflicts and promoting understanding between nations.
Bennett’s comments come at a time when tensions between Israel and various international actors are running high. The country has faced criticism from several countries over its policies in the occupied West Bank and its treatment of Palestinians.
The Israeli government has been under pressure to improve its international standing, and Bennett’s remarks are likely to add to the pressure on Ben-Gvir’s administration. The government has yet to respond to Bennett’s comments, but sources close to the ministry have acknowledged the importance of effective public diplomacy in promoting Israel’s interests abroad.
As Israel continues to navigate a complex international landscape, Bennett’s words serve as a stark reminder of the need for responsible communication and effective public diplomacy. In his words, “If you want to succeed, start by not being stupid!”