Political commentator Amit Segal was a guest on Keshet 12’s program “Special Interview”, which aired on Tuesday evening, where he was questioned by interviewers on the autism spectrum about his ties with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and the criticism directed at him. The program is an Israeli adaptation of the French show “Les Rencontres du Papotin”, where public figures are interviewed by journalists on the autism spectrum.
When asked, "Why do you even like Bibi?" Segal replied, "I don’t like any politician on a personal level. I agree with many things he does, but there are some things I disagree with. I can tell you that it’s very interesting to talk to him."
Segal elaborated on areas where he disagrees with Netanyahu: "The whole issue with the haredim, for example. I think he was wrong to vote in favor of the Disengagement [from Gaza]. It was a grave mistake with Hamas, allowing that monster to grow. And there are things I obviously agree with - like opposing territorial withdrawals."
When asked if this also referred to "the lack of taking responsibility for October 7," he responded, "Among other things, yes."
Asked how he feels when called a "mouthpiece," Segal replied, "It’s mostly amusing. What does mouthpiece mean? A mouthpiece isn’t independent. It only makes a sound because something is blown into it—it doesn’t really think for itself, it doesn’t have its own ideas or positions. It just wakes up in the morning, gets told what to say, and says it. When someone calls you a mouthpiece, they’re essentially trying to insult you and silence you. They can’t process the idea that someone has opinions different from theirs. Their goal isn’t to argue with you. If they argued with me, there are plenty of arguments to be made. For example, I debate with Guy Peleg in the studio, and I enjoy every moment. Ilana Dayan - that’s fun too. But those are debates about facts, about ideas."
At the end of the interview, Segal addressed claims of a personal connection with the Netanyahu family: "I speak with Netanyahu less than I speak with most politicians, and less than my predecessors spoke with other prime ministers. So I’m not fazed by it."