In a rare and unfiltered interview on Keshet 12, political commentator Amit Segal was grilled by journalists on the autism spectrum about his views on Prime Minister Netanyahu, October 7, and accusations of being a “mouthpiece.”
A Different Kind of Interview
On Tuesday evening, Amit Segal, one of Israel’s most influential political commentators, appeared on Keshet 12’s Special Interview — an Israeli adaptation of the French show Les Rencontres du Papotin, where journalists on the autism spectrum pose direct and unflinching questions to public figures.
Segal was pressed on his reputation, political leanings, and alleged closeness to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
“Why Do You Even Like Bibi?”
When asked bluntly why he supports Netanyahu, Segal clarified:
“I don’t like any politician on a personal level. I agree with many things he does, but there are things I disagree with. I can tell you that it’s very interesting to talk to him.”
He pointed to disagreements:
- Haredi policies: “I think he was wrong.”
- 2005 Gaza Disengagement: “A grave mistake that allowed Hamas to grow.”
- October 7 accountability: “Among other things, yes.”
At the same time, Segal voiced alignment with Netanyahu on opposing territorial withdrawals.
On Being Called a “Mouthpiece”
Asked about critics labeling him a Netanyahu “mouthpiece,” Segal responded:
“It’s mostly amusing. A mouthpiece isn’t independent — it just repeats what it’s told. I have my own ideas. When people call me that, they’re trying to silence me rather than debate me.”
He stressed his enjoyment of factual debates with colleagues such as Guy Peleg and Ilana Dayan: “Those are debates about facts, about ideas. That’s fun.”
Personal Ties? Segal Responds
Closing the interview, Segal dismissed claims of a personal bond 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.”
