Israeli Prime Minister Binyomin Netanyahu has rejected long-standing media reports claiming he is estranged from his eldest daughter, Noa Rothman, saying the two remain in regular contact and continue to meet during holidays and family occasions. Speaking in a rare discussion about his personal life, Netanyahu also said his grandchildren know him and see him from time to time.

The remarks came during an interview on the Hakol Patuach (“Everything Is Open”) podcast hosted by Avi Shushan, in which Netanyahu addressed questions about his relationship with his eldest daughter from his first marriage. According to a report published Tuesday by Walla, there were efforts to remove that portion of the interview before it aired.

During the interview, Netanyahu was asked directly whether reports of a complete family rift between him and Noa were accurate. The prime minister firmly denied those claims, saying they remain in touch on an ongoing basis.

Asked when they had last spoken, Netanyahu replied that it was “a few weeks ago.” He added that they also see each other during Yomim Tovim and family gatherings, depending on circumstances and Israel’s security situation.

“There were several chagim. It depends on her, and it also depends on the situation. When there’s a war, it’s a little different,” Netanyahu said.

He also addressed his relationship with his grandchildren, making clear that they know who he is and that they meet occasionally.

After the interviewer noted the sharp contrast between Netanyahu’s description of the relationship and repeated media reports portraying a complete estrangement, the prime minister sharply criticized the coverage.

“I can’t be responsible for all the lies that are preached against me. It’s an industry,” Netanyahu said.

He continued by accusing the media of engaging in a relentless campaign against him.

“Every evening they’re preaching, every single evening. You turn on Kol Yisrael in the morning, you open the newspapers, and you see the industry of lies. The great wonder is that we’re winning.”

A significant portion of the interview focused on Noa’s decision to become religious and live in a chareidi community. Netanyahu said he was aware of her religious journey before it became public.

Asked whether he supported her decision and whether he believed it had benefited her, Netanyahu replied, “That’s her choice. Of course it has been good for her. She wouldn’t have done it if it hadn’t been good for her. That’s obvious.”

Netanyahu was also asked why he has rarely spoken publicly about his daughter over the years. He said the decision was not his own but reflected her personal wish to remain out of the public eye.

“There are people… it’s their choice. Families have that choice,” Netanyahu said.

He added that public life places tremendous pressure on relatives of politicians, explaining that he tries to shield his family whenever possible.

“It’s not that my sons want me to talk about them, but the media targets them, and then you have to protect them as much as possible, and it’s not easy. They receive SLAPP lawsuits and all kinds of threats—these are difficult lives,” he said.

{Matzav.com}