MILKING IT: Report: Pro-Milk Reform Campaign Exposed as Party-Funded Operation
A Israeli media investigation has revealed that a public campaign backing the Israeli government’s controversial milk reform was in fact a fictitious initiative financed by the Religious Zionism party, headed by Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich.
The disclosure comes amid an ongoing public battle over the proposed dairy reform, which has drawn sharp opposition from various quarters. While Smotrich has been actively confronting critics of the reform on social media, it now appears that behind the scenes additional efforts were underway to manufacture public support.
According to a report aired by Channel 12 News, the group presenting itself as a civic organization advocating for the milk reform is not an independent body at all. Instead, it is allegedly a fabricated entity funded through party money from Religious Zionism.
In recent weeks, advertisements praising the reform appeared across social media platforms, on websites serving the religious public, and in Shabbos leaflets distributed in shuls. Smotrich himself amplified some of these promotional messages, lending them further visibility.
The campaign was reportedly advanced by right-wing media consultant and political activist Berel’e Crombie, who is closely associated with the current governing coalition.
The Religious Zionism party did not deny the report, stating that it is “committed to and actively engaged in lowering the cost of living for all citizens of Israel.” Smotrich declined to comment personally.
Crombie, for his part, said in response: “Just like countless social initiatives and campaigns I have led in recent years, I also initiated and am leading this campaign as a private citizen and activist.”
{Matzav.com}
