Legendary Sketch Show 'The Israelis' Returns in Record-Breaking TV Deal
The legendary sketch show "The Israelis" starring the "Ma Kassar" trio is returning for a new season on Reshet 13, backed by a record-breaking 12 million shekel investment from tech mogul Asaf Rappaport.
A massive television comeback is shaking Israel's entertainment industry. Two decades after capturing the nation's heart, spawning unforgettable catchphrases, and becoming a true cultural phenomenon, the hit sketch comedy show "The Israelis", starring the renowned "Ma Kassar" trio, is returning for a brand-new, updated season on Reshet 13.
A Record-Breaking Deal in Israeli Television
Yet, the biggest headline surrounding the comeback lies in its unprecedented financial figures. High-tech entrepreneur Asaf Rappaport, who recently acquired controlling stakes in Reshet 13, is opening his wallet in a historic move. According to a report by ForReal, Rappaport will pay the trio a staggering sum of approximately 12 million shekels—the highest amount ever paid to artists for a television production in Israel.
Returning to the Roots with Modern Twists
At the center of the new season will once again stand the "Ma Kassar" trio: Zion Baruch, Asi Israelof, and Shalom Michaelshwili. Having worked together for over two decades, the trio is considered one of the leading, most respected, and successful comedic ensembles in Israeli culture. Throughout the years, the three have conquered stages and screens alike, ranging from stand-up tours and sketch shows to acclaimed dramatic roles in series such as "Zagouri Empire" and "Lishlar et Shuli".
"The return of such iconic cultural assets is part of a broader strategy to revitalize prime-time entertainment and bring fresh energy to our screens," industry insiders noted following the announcement.
In the upcoming season, the trio is expected to breathe new life into beloved legacy characters alongside brand-new personas holding up a humorous mirror to contemporary Israeli society.
The Asaf Rappaport Era at Reshet 13
This high-profile revival is part of a sweeping strategy to supercharge Reshet 13's primetime entertainment lineup. Rappaport, co-founder of cyber giant Wiz and one of Israel's most prominent business leaders, has earmarked mainstream humor as a key growth engine for the channel. Bringing back this legendary brand coincides with other major moves, including signing Asi Israelof to host the upcoming season of the hit game show "Cash Cab".
The original run of "The Israelis" premiered in 2007, recording rare viewing ratings and minting sketches that cemented themselves into the collective memory. Now, viewers await how the trio will translate today's complex realities onto the screen, and whether the astronomical investment will pay off in the ratings race.
