TV Hosts Clash Over Opposition's Post-Election Plans
Translated & summarized from Arutz Sheva by baba
A dispute occurred on Channel 13 news when host Eyal Berkovich criticized a report by Michael Shemesh on the opposition's post-election plans. Berkovich claimed the report aided the Netanyahu bloc, while reporter Moriyah Asraf defended it as factual. Political commentator Amit Segal later criticized Berkovich's reaction, calling the broadcast sarcastic.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Host Eyal Berkovich clashed with reporter Michael Shemesh over an opposition election strategy report on Channel 13.
- The opposition plans to fill key roles and repeal four laws if they form a government.
- Berkovich argued Shemesh's report unfairly aided the Netanyahu bloc.
- Reporter Moriyah Asraf defended the report as presenting facts.
- Commentator Amit Segal criticized Berkovich's reaction as inappropriate for a news broadcast.
A heated exchange erupted on Israel's Channel 13 news broadcast Saturday night after political correspondent Michael Shemesh reported on the opposition bloc's strategy for the first month following an election, should they succeed in forming a government. The opposition's plan reportedly includes appointing individuals to eight key positions, such as the Knesset Speaker, chairpersons of the Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee, the Arrangements Committee, and the Interior Committee. They also intend to work towards repealing four laws concerning the Judicial Selection Committee, the Police Internal Investigations Department (Mahash), media regulations, and the division of powers of the Attorney General once the new Knesset is sworn in.
Host Eyal Berkovich, who has expressed support for Gadi Eisenkot's "Yashar" party, criticized Shemesh's report, arguing it could inadvertently benefit the Netanyahu bloc. Berkovich stated that the report was unfair and might scare the Netanyahu bloc into action. Reporter Moriyah Asraf defended the report, asserting that Channel 13 presents facts regardless of whether they serve a particular bloc. Berkovich responded by suggesting he should not be brought onto the program if factual reporting is the format.
The confrontation drew a sharp reaction from Channel 12's political commentator Amit Segal. Segal criticized Berkovich's conduct, describing him as a retired footballer who interrupted a diligent reporter because the information might help a bloc he opposes. Segal further commented on Berkovich's dismissal of facts, calling the broadcast a "news edition" with sarcasm.
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