Channel 14 Suspends Avi Shoshan From "HaPatriotim" Over "Survivor" Appearance

Avi Shoshan, formerly the spokesperson for Ichilov Hospital and a prominent panelist on Channel 14's "HaPatriotim," has been placed on leave from the program. The decision by Channel 14 came after Shoshan joined the cast of the new season of "Survivor," a reality show aired on the competing network Reshet 13. The new directive mandates that Shoshan will not appear on Channel 14 while his participation in "Survivor" continues and his presence on Reshet 13 concludes.

Reshet 13 responded to the rival channel's move with a pointed remark, stating, "Avi Shoshan can be seen tonight on our Survivor episode." In an interview with "HaTzinor," Shoshan commented on Channel 14's decision, explaining, "I am on vacation until my part in 'Survivor' ends. Whenever that happens, and I understand this decision, it's logical. After all, it's a show at the same time slot, it competes with 'HaPatriotim.'"

Shoshan elaborated on the logic behind the decision from his perspective: "On one hand, I'm on a show wearing a swimsuit, and on the other, I'm wearing politics. I definitely understand the decision that was made, it's completely understandable." When asked by "HaTzinor" host Guy Lerer if the decision was related to Shoshan's endorsement of Ofer Winter, Shoshan denied this, stating, "Absolutely not... I've never been told by Channel 14 what to say, and if I said something, they didn't tell me why I said it. Let's take that off the table. Yinon likes what I say, the viewers like me."

Regarding his return to "HaPatriotim," Shoshan expressed optimism: "God willing, that's the plan. Yinon told me before I left, 'Avi, go, you'll be a star, your chair is guaranteed when you return.' Yinon is a man of his word." Shoshan's participation in "Survivor" had already sparked controversy prior to its premiere. In a promotional clip, he declared himself proud to be "the first to pay for the failure of October 7th," referencing his dismissal from Ichilov after a press conference with released hostage Yochved Lifshitz. This statement, accompanied by a smile, drew sharp criticism from internet users and a former hostage, who expressed anger at the comparison to the heavy price paid by those murdered and held captive.