Channel 14 Panelist Slams Hamas Hostage Survivor, Sparks Outrage

Avi Shoshan, a panelist on Channel 14's current affairs programs, has ignited a firestorm with his harsh criticism of Yocheved Lifshitz, an 88-year-old Hamas hostage survivor. Lifshitz was abducted from her home by Hamas terrorists on October 7th. She recently gave an interview to Channel 13, where she criticized Prime Minister Netanyahu, stating, "Bibi did not bring back any hostages. Miri Adelson bought us from Trump. If this government remains after the elections, it is a disaster for the country."

Shoshan, a prominent right-wing figure, responded on live television, calling Lifshitz "responsible for the biggest public relations disaster since the start of the war." He specifically referenced her statement at a press conference upon her return, where she said she was treated properly by her Hamas captors. Channel 14 reported on Shoshan's remarks.

Shoshan's unusual comments about the elderly hostage survivor have drawn widespread reactions across the Israeli media. Michal Activist, a welfare correspondent for Channel 12, expressed her strong disapproval on X (formerly Twitter), calling Shoshan "a pathetic man who exploited a hostage survivor and now has the audacity to criticize her. Zero, absolutely zero."

In addition to Activist, journalist Arik Weiss of Channel 13 also called Shoshan a "zero" for his sharp remarks. However, Noam Amir, military correspondent for Channel 14, defended Shoshan. Amir taunted Weiss, suggesting that Shoshan would ensure Weiss continued to receive his salary and that his channel wouldn't collapse. Amir alluded to reports that Weiss's channel is funding a multi-million shekel campaign featuring Shoshan to attract viewers and boost ratings, implying Weiss and his colleagues at Channel 13 lack the ability to do so on their own.