Ex-Soccer Star Berkovich Slams TV Host Magen for 'Soft' Interview with Ministers
Former Israeli soccer star Eyal Berkovich criticized TV host Yinon Magen for what he described as a "petting zoo" interview with National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir and Knesset member Tali Gottlieb on the program "HaPatriotim." Berkovich, who also works as a broadcaster, watched the program for the first time and expressed his disappointment with Magen's interviewing style, stating that it lacked challenging questions.
Berkovich specifically questioned Magen's handling of the interview, asking if he was aware of issues like protection rackets in the south or payments by the Electric Company. He also pointed to a children's book published by Ben-Gvir, calling it a "disgrace" and suggesting Magen should have confronted the minister about it.
Tali Gottlieb, who recently left the Likud party to join Ben-Gvir's Otzma Yehudit party, stated during the interview that she felt at home, describing herself as "Jewish, proud, in the Land of Israel, my ancestors' inheritance - home." She explained her departure from Likud was due to disagreements with Prime Minister Netanyahu's leadership.
Magen defended his interview, claiming he did raise issues such as the lack of collected weapons in the Arab sector and asked about achievements. He also mentioned the program's good ratings, but Berkovich dismissed this, emphasizing the importance of tough journalism over viewership numbers.
Berkovich contrasted Magen's interview with his own approach, stating that if he were interviewing someone in a similar position for four years with issues like lack of governance and rising crime, he would be much more critical.
