From the Liveblog of
Monday, May 29, 2017
Foreign journalists complain Netanyahu won’t answer questions
Add ToI as a Preferred Source on GoogleThe Foreign Press Association that represents journalists from foreign news outlets stationed in Israel complains of a lack of meaningful access to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
In a letter to PMO spokesperson Boaz Stempler, FPA chair Josef Federman, who is also the AP bureau chief in Israel, writes that the group finds it “troubling” that Netanyahu and US President Donald Trump “did not make themselves available for any questions” during Trump’s visit last week. “Adding to these concerns, the prime minister mysteriously scheduled and then canceled a press briefing the following day to discuss the visit.”
Here's my letter to #Netanyahu's office expressing concern over handling of #Trump visit. Thanks @DanielEstrin for sharing. https://t.co/naOkxmVULc
— Joe Federman (@joseffederman) May 29, 2017
“This is part of a broader problem,” Federman says in the letter, “that the prime minister rarely is available for questions on basic policy issues. With the exception of a lone event each year to celebrate the New Year, the international media has almost no opportunity to interview or pose questions to him.”
Federman chastises: “Speaking to the media is a standard practice of leaders in democratic societies around the world. At such an important time for the region, I believe it is even more critical for the prime minister to address the media and communicate his strategy. We hope that you will rethink your policies and provide some increased access to him.”
The Times of Israel Community.