Reports that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu planned to appoint hardline animal rights activist Tal Gilboa as his next spokesperson were walked back on Sunday following public backlash over past inflammatory remarks attributed to her.

Gilboa, who was said to be in line to replace a recently departed spokesman, faced criticism after media reports resurfaced comments in which she allegedly used derogatory language toward Russian immigrants, members of the LGBTQ community, and meat-eaters. She was also quoted as making harsh statements about sick patients who were not vegan and about demonstrators calling for the return of hostages held in Gaza.

Opposition politicians condemned the reported appointment, accusing the Prime Minister's Office of tolerating racism. The controversy follows the resignation of former spokesman Ziv Agmon, who stepped down after recordings emerged of him using racist language about lawmakers from his own party.

The Prime Minister's Office did not publicly confirm Gilboa's appointment, and multiple outlets reported that the uproar ultimately led to the decision not to move forward with her selection.