Investigative Reporter Faces Traffic Violation Claims Amid Netanyahu Lawsuit Threat

Investigative reporter Raviv Drucker is facing unexpected scrutiny after Sarah Netanyahu, wife of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, threatened to sue him and Channel 13 for NIS 1 million over a report. While the report aired, the CEO of the organization "B'Tselem", Shai Glick, alleged that Drucker committed serious traffic violations during the investigation.

Glick claims that Drucker was filmed driving with a mobile phone in his hand and without a seatbelt, both while the report was being filmed and edited. He has petitioned the Second Authority for Television and Radio to investigate these alleged offenses and take action against Drucker, the host of the program "HaMakor" (The Source).

In a letter to the authority, Glick stated that the broadcast showed Drucker "grossly violating two serious and life-threatening traffic offenses: 1. Using a mobile phone while driving, holding and talking on the phone without a hands-free device, which constitutes a fatal distraction on the roads. 2. Driving without a seatbelt, complete disregard for the most basic safety measure defined by law."

Glick further criticized Channel 13 for airing the footage, arguing that it normalizes dangerous driving behavior and sends a harmful message to viewers, especially young drivers, suggesting that traffic laws are merely recommendations and that journalists are above them. He called for "significant and immediate steps" against the program and its host, including a formal inquiry, sanctions, and a public apology broadcast during peak hours.

Glick demanded that the Second Authority open an urgent inquiry, impose severe sanctions on the news system and its presenter for violating broadcasting ethics and rules, and compel the program and Channel 13 to issue a public clarification and apology during prime time, emphasizing the importance of adhering to traffic laws.