Newsmax heavily hyped its interview with Benjamin Netanyahu in a March 30 post:
In a major global exclusive, Newsmax CEO Chris Ruddy sits down today in Jerusalem with Benjamin Netanyahu for the Israeli prime minister’s first in-depth interview since the start of the war in Iran.
You must watch this extraordinary and wide-ranging conversation you won’t see anywhere else.
Airing at 5 p.m. Eastern time on Newsmax’s “The Big Take with Ed Henry,” this powerful interview takes viewers inside the prime minister’s office as history unfolds in real time.
Netanyahu speaks candidly about the ongoing war effort, detailing Israel’s decisive military strategy and the high-stakes mission to locate and eliminate Iran’s uranium capabilities and remaining missile systems.
He also addresses the critical geopolitical importance of keeping the Strait of Hormuz secure and shares his perspective on how long the global conflict could continue.
In a revealing segment, Netanyahu discusses the role President Donald Trump has played in shaping this moment and the broader implications for international alliances.
[…]This is more than an interview — it’s a rare and unfiltered look at the decisions shaping the future of the Middle East and the world.
Don’t miss this historic broadcast, today at 5 p.m. Eastern time, only on Newsmax.
In fact, the interview was largely a softball affair that allowed Netanyahu to spout right-wing talking points. Here are the articles from it:
- Benjamin Netanyahu to Newsmax: Hormuz Pipelines Could Be Rerouted
- Benjamin Netanyahu to Newsmax: Iran War ‘Beyond Halfway Point’
- Netanyahu to Newsmax: Trump Has Shown ‘Tremendous Leadership’
Ruddy also let Netanyahu spin away his Palm Sunday restrictions:
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told Newsmax on Monday that concern for the safety of worshippers was the only reason Palm Sunday Mass at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre was denied, adding that he “immediately instructed” the Latin patriarch be allowed to conduct services at the church going forward.
In an interview with Newsmax CEO Chris Ruddy, Netanyahu pushed back on international criticism, saying the decision stemmed solely from urgent security threats as Iran continues to target Jerusalem with missile fire.
“What happened was that Iran has been firing missiles at the Old City of Jerusalem,” Netanyahu said, noting that fragments from recent attacks landed dangerously close to the church and other sacred sites.
[…]Netanyahu rejected claims of religious discrimination, calling such accusations “absurd” and insisting there was “no malice or bad intention.”
“Nevertheless, I immediately instructed that the patriarch should be allowed to come with his party and perform services as he wishes,” he told Ruddy, adding that Israel is working to allow limited worship attendance while minimizing risk during the volatile period.
[…]Despite the controversy, Netanyahu emphasized Israel’s record on religious freedom, particularly for Christians.
“Look at the Middle East,” he said. “The only place where the Christian population is growing and thriving is Israel.”
It was not mentioned that backlash helped push Netanyahu to change course and allow services.
It seems that with all the softball questions, the interview was quite missable.