Levinson Addresses Past Controversy in First Interview with Ex-Partner Ofira Assig

Journalist Haim Levinson spoke for the first time with his former co-host Ofira Assig since his departure from their joint program, "Ofira and Levinson," a year prior. Levinson resigned from the show and was fired from the newspaper "Haaretz" after it was revealed he had concealed financial ties to Israel Einhorn, a suspect in the "Qatargate" scandal. Einhorn's company reportedly paid Levinson approximately 200,000 shekels in 2019.

During the interview on Assig's current show, "Ofira Ohana Sari," Assig expressed feelings of betrayal, stating, "I am your friend, we shared personal secrets, not just professional ones. In fact, you betrayed me." Levinson responded, "Betrayal is a harsh word. I regret that you see it as betrayal; I don't see it that way." He acknowledged that he should have consulted Assig before making decisions regarding his past business dealings.

Levinson admitted that his lack of transparency regarding his connection to Einhorn was a mistake, especially given his public stance on integrity. He explained that he was bound by a confidentiality agreement with Einhorn from a previous working relationship and believed his general statements about being Einhorn's friend were sufficient, a misjudgment he now regrets. He recognized that viewers felt deceived and that he had not met his own standards of transparency.

Reflecting on the fallout, Levinson mentioned that while the experience was difficult, it also brought unexpected support. "People offered me help, asked if I needed a loan, wanted to help and supported me with messages," he said. He also noted that some people he considered friends had betrayed him, but he has gained new friends, including Assig's ex-husband.

Assig, who was unaware of Levinson's ties to Einhorn at the time, had bid him farewell on air and continued hosting the show alone for several months following his departure.