Top 10 Israeli TV Moments of 5796 Marked Major National Events
The Hebrew year 5796 (ending in September 2026) was marked by significant television moments that captured the nation's attention, transcending typical ratings battles. These events included the return of hostages, a dramatic search for a missing soldier, and intense journalistic rivalries that spilled into public discourse.
The return of hostages from Gaza saw unprecedented viewership, with ratings peaking at 45% of households. Major news channels adopted a split-screen format to cover the arrival of U.S. President Donald Trump, with Channel 12 leading viewership, followed by Channel 13, Channel 14, and Kan 11. The top five rated programs that day were all dedicated to the hostage situation, reviving the concept of "the campfire" in Israeli television.
A high-profile incident involved the search for missing soldier Tomer Yerushalmi, initially believed to be in danger. The search, involving extensive resources including helicopters and naval units, culminated in her being found alive, only for her to be subsequently arrested and investigated. This event, initially a major news story, took an unexpected turn.
Kan 11's investigative program "Hamakor" generated significant political controversy over three evenings with an interview featuring a controversial figure, leading to accusations of bias. The program's host defended his journalistic integrity amidst intense media competition. Separately, Channel 12 apologized for mistakenly airing a fabricated video clip, an error also repeated by Channel 14 and i24NEWS, highlighting issues with verification in live reporting.
The Eurovision Song Contest final, featuring Israeli singer Noam Beitan, also drew massive viewership, with Kan 11 achieving a peak of 53.2% rating for a single minute, demonstrating the power of live, major international events. The show's winner, Gal Rubin, became a polarizing figure, reflecting a divided audience.
Further highlighting the intense media landscape, a security official suggested summoning Channel 12 journalists for questioning by the Shin Bet (Israel Security Agency) in an effort to identify a leaker, a move described by a senior Shin Bet official as a serious mistake. The 2026 World Cup final also achieved record viewership in Israel, marking the most-watched final in 28 years and driving significant digital engagement for Kan 11.
