Police Launch Criminal Probe Into Channel 14 Analyst's Remarks

Israeli police have opened a preliminary criminal investigation into Channel 14 analyst Micha Lakin-Avni over alleged incitement to racism. The probe follows controversial statements made by Lakin-Avni on air last week, in which he claimed that Arab doctors and nurses in Israeli hospitals poison Jewish patients, and that this is being covered up daily. It is noted that there is no known factual basis for these claims.

The investigation will examine the remarks and the circumstances under which they were made to determine if a formal investigation with caution is warranted. Prior to the police action, the State Doctors Union and its chairman, Dr. Zeev Feldman, sent an urgent letter to the Attorney General, Gali Baharav-Miara. They demanded a criminal investigation, consideration of libel charges, and the preservation of interview recordings and other evidence.

The union warned that Lakin-Avni's statement constitutes a sweeping accusation against an entire group of medical staff, potentially harming the personal safety and professional reputation of Arab doctors and nurses, as well as public trust in the healthcare system. This is not the first time the union has approached the Attorney General's office regarding similar accusations. In March 2026, the organization contacted the office following social media posts attributing malicious intent to Arab medical professionals. The union stated that the lack of a clear institutional response has now led to similar accusations being broadcast on television.