Channel 14 Accuses Channel 12 of Spreading Lies and Inciting Division

Channel 14 launched two sharp attacks against Channel 12, accusing it of biased reporting and manipulating public opinion. Commentator Itamar Fleishman criticized Channel 12's coverage of the hostage situation and families, alleging "blatant lies" are being spread on their behalf. He specifically pointed to an interview aired by Ilana Dayan, stating Channel 12 is leading a "narrative" and has previously attacked a interviewee's mother for holding a different view on a potential deal.

Channel 14 commentator Dana Varon attacked Channel 12 for its report on statements made by Rabbi Dov Lando, a leader of the Haredi public. Channel 12 presented the material as a "rare documentation" and an "unprecedented attack," but Channel 14 claimed the full transcript was published by the Haredi outlet "Kikar HaShabbat" in February 2025, with parts circulating in May. Varon called the report "a low point of consciousness engineering and cynicism," accusing Channel 12 of deliberately trying to ignite an "internal war" by re-airing old material at a time when national unity is needed.

Channel 12's report included strong statements attributed to Rabbi Lando, who allegedly said that knitted kippah wearers "are killed because their rabbis teach distorted Torah" and that it would have been preferable for the UN or Arabs to rule. The original report by Channel 12 presented the material as having come into their possession and described it as "rare documentation." The publication of Rabbi Lando's remarks had previously sparked a wide political storm, with Knesset members Gadi Eisenkot, Avigdor Lieberman, and Yair Lapid condemning his words.

Channel 14 focused not only on the content of Rabbi Lando's statements but also on Channel 12's decision to re-present them to the public, framing it as a deliberate act to deepen divisions.