Eyal Berko Returns to Reshet 13 After Suspension Over Controversial On-Air Remarks
Presenter Eyal Berko is returning to Reshet 13 and radio broadcasts early next week after his abrupt suspension over controversial remarks regarding MK Ahmad Tibi's doctorate.
Just days after being abruptly suspended from a live broadcast following a series of controversial remarks, presenter Eyal Berko is cutting short his cooling-off period and returning to television screens early next week.
Management at Reshet 13 decided to shorten the suspension, and this coming Sunday, the former football star will step back into the studio alongside journalist Moriah Asraf on their joint current affairs show, "Moria and Berko".
Before his official TV return, Berko is scheduled to visit the PodiuM studios to record another episode of "The Magician and His Sons" podcast, which he hosts alongside his son Lior and friend Yoav Gabizon.
Lior, who participated in the Midburn festival last week, offered his followers a glimpse of what to expect in the upcoming episode. In an Instagram story, he hinted that festival tales might astonish his father, while also promising an extra surprise: "There will be some Midburn stories, Dad will be a bit shocked. Tomorrow there is also a little surprise."
Alongside his television return, Berko will also report back to the 103FM radio studios on Sunday to resume his regular 11:00 AM morning broadcast slot alongside Erel Segal, replacing journalist Haim Levinson, who filled in for him this week due to an unrelated absence.
The dramatic suspension erupted during Saturday night's broadcast. Amid a heated panel discussion, Berko chose to publicly question the doctoral degrees of American politician Abdul El-Sayed and Knesset Member Ahmad Tibi, remarking on air: "Everyone is given a doctorate degree, let him bring the diploma."
The statement triggered widespread outrage on social media, accompanied by harsh condemnations and demands for an apology from political figures. Reshet 13 responded swiftly, summoning him to an immediate disciplinary hearing and subsequently deciding on his suspension, clarifying that freedom of expression does not condone statements that undermine societal values.
This incident followed a wave of internal tension surrounding Berko. A week earlier, the presenter made headlines due to a sharp and publicized clash with presenter Lucy Aharish, causing backstage turbulence that even led to the postponement of a major interview with him on Omri Assenheim's program.
Reshet 13 confirmed that Berko would return to broadcasting early next week, though they declined to provide further official comment. Industry observers are now eagerly awaiting Sunday's broadcasts to see whether the presenter will address the storm that sidelined him or continue as usual without hesitation.
