Chaim Levinson Slams Yair Golan for Lack of Prison Oversight

Journalist Chaim Levinson has sharply criticized fellow broadcaster Yair Golan for failing to question National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir about conditions in Israeli prisons. The criticism follows the death of Yusef Haim Ben-David, who was convicted of murdering Muhammad Abu Khdeir and found dead in his cell. His family alleges prolonged medical neglect by the Israel Prison Service.

Levinson accused Golan of not asking Ben-Gvir a single question about prisons, which he described as having become "torture camps," during numerous interviews. Levinson cited reports of guards allegedly beating a prisoner to death and mistreating inmates, including security and criminal prisoners, both Jewish and Arab.

Levinson directly addressed Golan on social media, urging him to "do something" as a journalist. This exchange adds to a history of public clashes between the two media personalities. In 2023, during the "Swords of Iron" war, a heated on-air argument between Levinson and Golan on 103FM escalated to a physical altercation, involving the throwing of headphones and the disruption of the broadcast.

While Levinson initially reacted strongly, calling a group "Bibi-st" "out of control," he later sought to de-escalate, stating he forgave Golan and acknowledging the extreme tension of the times. Despite the broadcast resuming, their ideological differences continue to fuel public confrontations.