Israeli singer and television personality Static (Liraz Russo) has publicly defended his fellow judge on "The Voice Israel," Eden Ben Zaken, following a wave of criticism and demands for her dismissal from the popular talent competition. The controversy erupted after Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu attended one of Ben Zaken's concerts.
In an Instagram story posted Sunday alongside a photo from the judges' table, Static addressed the situation directly. "Eden, I heard they're calling to remove you from 'The Voice.' Wait, timeout, what are we doing here?" he wrote. "You can disagree, you can be angry, you can criticize. But since when are we looking for scapegoats instead of dealing with what really matters?"
The judge also addressed broader social tensions in Israeli society. "Especially now, just before another election cycle that will tear us apart from within, maybe we should remember that not everyone who doesn't think exactly like us is the enemy," Static continued.
He concluded with personal encouragement for his colleague: "Eden, my sister, keep doing what you do best, making people happy. I'm waiting for you in the red chair, on the right side. I'm Team Eden."
Static's response comes amid widespread social media debate about public figures' attendance at cultural events and the intersection between art and political discourse in Israel.
