Yair Golan: "Channel 14 is a propaganda outlet. I also have criticism of Channel 12"
Yair Golan addressed his controversial statement regarding Channel 14: "It is a propaganda outlet. Either it will become a media channel, or it will be closed." At the same time, the chairman of the "Democrats" party clarified: "I have criticism of Channel 12 as well, but it operates as a legitimate media outlet."
Against the backdrop of approaching elections and the political campaigns of Israeli parties, politician Yair Golan appeared as a guest on the program "Assenheim," hosted by Omri Assenheim on Channel 13, to address his controversial statement that Channel 14 should be closed.
"Channel 14 is a propaganda outlet. Either it will become a media channel, or it will be closed," clarified the chairman of the "Democrats" party.
Omri Assenheim presented the perspective of Channel 14 journalists, noting that they often label Channel 12 as a propaganda channel and refer to the channel currently hosting them as "Al-Manar 13."
Yair Golan was unmoved by this comparison and delivered a sharp response:
"You are creating a false equivalence. In my view, this equivalence is incorrect because it is part of their false narrative. There is no equivalence.
Channel 12, which I also criticize, operates as a media channel. Channel 14 operates as a propaganda outlet. The fundamental difference lies in the commitment to truth; one can argue about editorial choices, but Channel 12 remains connected to reality." The full interview will air tomorrow, Thursday, on Channel 13.
As recalled, last January, Yair Golan was a guest on the program hosted by Moriah Asraf and Eyal Berkovic on Channel 13, where he was asked to comment on the same statement, which sparked a storm of reactions in Israel. The chairman of the "Democrats" party stated that he would not apologize for his words:
"We must not slide into moral relativism. Ultimately, there is good and evil in our world, there is honesty and there is corruption. We must state clearly: this channel does not deal with news. It deals with incitement and lies."
Berkovic, who disagreed with Golan's assertion, suggested he simply not watch the channel. Golan refused, arguing that the media outlet, which is identified with the right-wing camp, should be shut down: "It is like a responsible parent who does not allow their children to surf social networks without control. Just as we understand that excessive engagement can cause severe damage, the state must understand this as well."
