Israeli Media Under Fire: Karhi Warns of Free Speech Crisis After Berkovic Suspension and Hasson Dispute
Communications Minister Shlomo Karhi warned of a severe threat to free speech following Eyal Berkovic's suspension from Reshet 13 and Ayala Hasson's public dispute with Kan broadcaster management.
Communications Minister Shlomo Karhi has issued a sharp warning regarding recent developments in the Israeli media sector, following the immediate suspension of host Eyal Berkovic from Reshet 13 and an escalating public dispute between anchor Ayala Hasson and the management of the Kan public broadcaster. Karhi condemned the actions as a severe threat to freedom of expression and the rights of the Israeli right wing.
"While I am far from defending Berkovic, as Communications Minister I am hoisting a red flag: the suspension of Ayala Hasson and now Berkovic is nothing less than dangerous," Karhi stated. He added, "The left-wing thought police is sinking its claws into all of us, and the Israeli right is well on its way to becoming a persecuted majority in its own country. I will continue to act as a defensive wall for freedom of expression to ensure this does not happen, without the High Court and without the Press Council."
The Suspension at Reshet 13
Karhi’s remarks follow Reshet 13's dramatic decision to immediately suspend Eyal Berkovic from co-hosting the program Moria and Berko. The suspension was triggered by a broadcast discussion involving Berkovic, Moria Asraf, and channel correspondent Suleiman Maswada regarding the election to the U.S. Senate of Dr. Abdul El-Sayed, a public figure known for anti-Israel stances. During the broadcast, Berkovic questioned El-Sayed's credentials, remarking dismissively, "They give anyone the title of doctor over there. Did you check if he is a doctor? They also say Ahmad Tibi is a doctor."
Reshet 13 swiftly condemned the remarks, labeling them racist and incompatible with the company's values, and announced Berkovic's suspension following a clarification meeting. The broadcast sparked widespread public backlash. MK Ahmad Tibi condemned the segment as racist, while media figure Guy Maroze drew comparisons to double standards applied to other anchors.
The Dispute at Kan 11
Simultaneously, the conflict at the Israeli Public Broadcasting Corporation Kan reached an unprecedented boiling point. After Kan denied dictating an apology text to Ayala Hasson, the Kan 11 anchor published a screenshot of a text message exchange with News Division Director Lior Landenberg.
The exposed message read, "If you do not intend to read this apology, I ask that you inform me as soon as possible so I can prepare a broadcast alternative." Hasson accused the broadcaster of spreading falsehoods and claimed the message constituted an unacceptable ultimatum aimed at forcing her to read a statement she did not draft, under threat of removal from the airwaves.
The dispute at Kan began following Hasson’s remarks on Galei Yisrael radio regarding Bedouin women and election integrity in the Arab sector. Although the ethics committee accepted her initial apology, news management demanded an additional, explicit clarification on live air. Following her refusal, Hasson was absent from her broadcast slot, later declaring in an interview that no one would silence her, while Kan management fully backed Landenberg.
