Fiery Clash Erupts on Channel 14: "Let Them Come Face Me, Be Men"

A heated exchange occurred on Israel's Channel 14 on Thursday between Member of Knesset Almog Cohen and Sarit, an advisor to Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir. The live broadcast of "The Open Studio" program focused on recent shifts within the right-wing bloc and Prime Minister Netanyahu's decision to exclude Minister Ben-Gvir from the "Save the Right" conference.

Sarit questioned Cohen's stance, particularly his reported departure from the "Otzma Yehudit" party to join the ruling party. She argued that to prevent a government composed of figures she described as "the swindler Naftali," "the weak Eizenkot," Lieberman, Abbas, and Cassif, a strong right-wing government is necessary, which requires unity. She specifically challenged Cohen on why a conference featuring the Prime Minister and Smotrich would exclude Ben-Gvir, a key figure from Otzma Yehudit.

Cohen responded sharply, accusing Sarit of lecturing him on the definition of right-wing politics. He questioned the right-wing credentials of inviting a bereaved son to an event or a prime minister from a hospital, stating, "Don't lecture me." He asserted his own unwavering commitment to right-wing principles and warned against entering territory from which she couldn't recover.

The debate intensified when Cohen directed a jab at Sarit and her associates, suggesting that if they had messages, they should deliver them in person rather than sending her phone messages. Sarit denied receiving instructions via phone, calling Cohen's suggestion a descent to a low level. Cohen retorted, "If they are sending you messages then let them come face me themselves, let them be men. I have been in that position and know all the work methods."

The program's host intervened to de-escalate the situation, asking Cohen to release the microphone and concluding the segment.