Omri Eshelheim Interview Sparks Outrage Among Right-Wing Figures

An interview conducted by Omri Eshelheim, host of "Eshelheim" on Channel 13, with "HaPatriotim" panelist and Channel 14 fill-in host Itamar Fleishmann has ignited a significant controversy. During the conversation, Eshelheim questioned Fleishmann about moments of self-disgust after broadcasts. Fleishmann candidly admitted, "Of course, what do you mean? Your hands are always in the mud. There's no escaping the mud affecting you, and you cause it." He further revealed that he intentionally reads online criticism to learn from it.

The interview also touched on Fleishmann's political stance. Despite supporting Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Fleishmann stated he does not intend to vote for Netanyahu or National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir in the upcoming elections. Fleishmann had previously disclosed his struggles with psychotic episodes and psychiatric hospitalizations on the program "Sorry About That."

Screenwriter Meni Assayag, brother of comedian Shalom Assayag, strongly criticized Eshelheim's interview style and questioning. In a sharp social media post, Assayag questioned Eshelheim's own journalistic integrity, referencing Eshelheim's past work on "Uvda" (Fact), asking if he ever felt disgusted with himself for "spreading poison and distortions in service of the left camp." Assayag also brought up the case of Captain R., accusing Eshelheim's program of causing "terrible injustice" by allegedly revealing military secrets. Assayag concluded by urging Eshelheim to introspect and not lecture right-wing figures, adding a jab about Netanyahu not being responsible for "treasonous and derelict creatures" who allegedly conspired against him and the country.