Reshet 13 Suspends Presenter Eyal Berkovic Over Controversial On-Air Remarks
Reshet 13 has suspended presenter Eyal Berkovic following controversial on-air remarks questioning the academic credentials of US and Israeli figures, sparking widespread public outrage.
A major public outcry has erupted in Israel following a controversial broadcast on Reshet 13's program hosted by Moria Assraf and Eyal Berkovic. During a discussion regarding the election of Dr. Abdul El-Sayed, a public figure known for his anti-Israel positions, to the US Senate, Berkovic questioned his academic credentials and dismissed him alongside Knesset member Ahmad Tibi.
"Anyone is given the title of doctor there. Have you checked if he is a doctor? They also say Ahmad Tibi is a doctor," Berkovic said on air, sparking immediate studio embarrassment and a fierce public backlash across social media platforms.
In response to the incident, Reshet 13 issued a strong condemnation and announced Berkovic's immediate suspension. "Freedom of speech and pluralism are cornerstones of a free press, but they do not constitute a license for racist statements," the network stated following a disciplinary hearing.
The broadcast drew sharp criticism from public figures, journalists, and politicians alike. MK Ahmad Tibi dismissed the show on social media, labeling it "the racist garbage can of Channel 13." Meanwhile, journalist Dror Rafael and TV personality Guy Maroz also condemned the remarks, drawing comparisons to other prominent media figures and sparking a wider debate about standards in Israeli broadcasting.
