Miki Zohar
Miki Zohar is an Israeli politician serving as the Minister of Culture and Sport. A senior member of the Likud party, he is known for his hawkish security stances and his vocal support for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's policies.
Miki Zohar is a prominent figure within the Likud party, currently serving as the Minister of Culture and Sport in the 37th Israeli government. Throughout his political career, Zohar has established himself as a loyalist to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and a staunch advocate for right-wing and security-first policies. His role often extends beyond the traditional remit of culture and sports, as he frequently weighs in on national security debates and the broader strategic challenges facing the State of Israel. In June 2026, Zohar emerged as a key voice within the cabinet during the escalation of direct hostilities between Israel and the Iranian regime. He was the first cabinet member to publicly praise the IDF's retaliatory strikes on Iranian territory, framing the action as a necessary shift from a defensive posture to an offensive one. Zohar has been a vocal critic of the previous security 'concept,' arguing that the regional reality of the Middle East demands the projection of significant force to maintain deterrence. Beyond security rhetoric, Zohar's ministerial authorities have intersected with national emergency management. Following the escalation with Iran, he issued immediate directives to limit gatherings at cultural and sports events nationwide to ensure public safety. This move underscored the integration of civilian government ministries into the home-front defense strategy during periods of high-intensity conflict.