Channel 14 Panelist Slams Petition to Ban Election Night Show

A petition filed with the Central Elections Committee seeks to prevent Channel 14's program "Ha'Patriotim" (The Patriots) from airing on election night, March 23, 2020, for the 26th Knesset elections. Panelist Yotam Zimri vehemently criticized the move, calling it an attempt to silence voices not favored by the channel's opponents. Zimri argued that preventing the broadcast on election day is a significant escalation, warning that "imagine four years like this" if such actions are allowed to continue.

The petition was submitted by the "Democracy for Israel" academic association, demanding that the broadcast, scheduled for 9:00 PM, an hour before polls close, be stopped. The group cited a Channel 14 promo that advertised the show as "an hour before everyone else: The Patriots leak the exit polls." Petitioners contend that releasing exit poll data before 10:00 PM could mislead voters and influence their decisions, and they also requested the prevention of satirical content.

Zimri dismissed the petitioners' stated concerns, asserting their real motive is to control public discourse and prevent alternative viewpoints from reaching Israelis. He accused them of wanting "ownership" and seeking to regain it when it feels threatened. Zimri rejected the idea that the objection is specific to election night, stating that opponents would object to the program airing at any time.

He issued a direct warning to viewers, urging them to understand that indifference could lead to a future where their lives are dictated by others. Zimri concluded, "We have no mandate for this indifference, and it starts with The Patriots, it will end in your minds."

Central Elections Committee Chairman, Judge Noam Sohlberg, has ordered Channel 14 to respond to the petition by 12:00 PM. Channel 14 has rejected the claims, stating they oppose the attempt "to silence The Patriots even before it airs." As of the initial report, no decision had been made on the petition.