Reality Star Slams Actress Over Live TV Remarks on Israeli Policy

Actress and children's author Chali Goldenberg sparked controversy during a live interview on Channel 13's "P'tchim Yom" program when she sharply criticized Israeli policy and settlers. Goldenberg stated that the occupation led to subsequent events and that current issues, including religious coercion, settlers, Jewish terrorism, and arrogance, are a result of it. When pressed by hosts Yarden Harel and Elad Zohar about the 2005 Gaza withdrawal and the October 7th attack, Goldenberg compared the fight for freedom to the actions of Jewish underground movements during the British Mandate, citing Yitzhak Shamir and Lehi's attempt to bomb the King David Hotel. The hosts countered that independence struggles do not justify civilian massacres.

Goldenberg, who volunteered cleaning homes in kibbutzim like Be'eri and Nir Oz damaged in the Hamas attack, expressed shock and dismay upon realizing her conversation was being broadcast live. She stated she believed the cameras were off and that she was speaking during a commercial break, having previously indicated she did not want to discuss her volunteer work. She apologized for her impulsive and heated remarks, explaining she would have chosen different wording if she had known she was on air.

The interview segment quickly went viral on social media, drawing a strong reaction from Big Brother star and influencer Einav Boblil. Boblil responded to Goldenberg's surprise at being on air by writing, "The only thing not okay is that there are people like you in the country," adding a vomiting emoji to express her disgust. The incident, which began as a discussion about Goldenberg's acting career, escalated into a public confrontation amplified by social media.