Channel 13 Host and Democratic Party Leader Clash Over Media and 'Anti-Zionist' Remarks

A public dispute has erupted between Channel 13 anchor Moria Asraf and Democratic Party chairman Yair Golan, stemming from Golan's criticism of Asraf's reporting and his broader comments about media outlets.

In a podcast published Tuesday, Golan accused Asraf of misrepresenting his statements regarding the Eli pre-military academy. He also expressed shock that "even channels that are not Channel 14" provide a platform for such reporting, implying Asraf's coverage was biased.

Asraf responded sharply on social media, stating she was "appalled that even in parties calling themselves Zionist, there are those who echo clearly anti-Zionist statements." She further questioned whether others perceived "anti-democratic processes and silencing of opinions" within the Democratic Party.

This is not the first confrontation between the two. Approximately a month prior, Asraf criticized Golan on her program for threatening to cut funding to the Eli academy, calling it "very disturbing" that a party leader would cite decade-old, clarified statements from the academy's leadership.

Golan also reiterated his stance on Channel 14, labeling it a "propaganda channel" that should either adhere to journalistic ethics or be shut down, arguing that Israel should not permit such a channel to "pollute the public space."