Podcast Host Apologizes for Personal Attack on Avri Gilad

Haim Levinson opened his podcast "Levinson in the Morning" with an apology to his listeners and to Avri Gilad, following a critical episode about Gilad from the previous week. Levinson admitted that dedicating an entire episode to Gilad was a mistake, stating that his intended broader point did not come across and the segment devolved into a personal attack. "It was a mistake, sorry," Levinson said, explaining that he felt he had a point to make but ultimately did not, resulting in an unnecessary episode. He acknowledged that the segment became a personal attack on an individual, failing to convey any wider message.

The controversy began when Gilad, interviewed on Itay Segal's podcast, discussed his financial situation, explaining he continued working because he needed to and could not yet retire. Levinson's subsequent episode harshly criticized Gilad's conduct and his alleged need to remain in the public eye. In the prior episode, Levinson personally attacked Gilad, calling him "one of the most extreme narcissists in Israel who are not being treated." Levinson had also suggested Gilad take a 10 million shekel check to secure his and his children's financial future and leave the media, saying, "Just take the money and shut up." Levinson estimated Gilad would struggle to stay away from public life even with the money, predicting he would become restless and unable to cope with himself after a week. Levinson also told Gilad, "You're already over 60 and all day you're busy with yourself."