Comedian Meni Assayag Mocks Actress Hali Goldenberg's Viral On-Air Gaffe

Comedian and media personality Meni Assayag parodied actress Hali Goldenberg's recent viral incident, during which she discovered she was live on air and had revealed controversial views. Assayag, on air Tuesday, began by stating his opinion of Goldenberg as "embarrassing and a disgrace." He then paused and asked, "Are we on the air?!" mimicking Goldenberg's shocked reaction when she realized her comments were being broadcast.

The incident Assayag referenced occurred on Channel 13's "Pothim Yom" program. Goldenberg believed she was speaking off-air during a commercial break when she stated she felt no pride in being Israeli, attributing current events to the "occupation." When confronted by host Elad Zohar, she elaborated that "everything" was wrong, citing "religious coercion, settlers, Jewish terrorism, arrogance." She further compared the situation to the Mandate period and argued for a minority's right to fight for freedom, even suggesting that "slaughtering civilians and women" was comparable to a child deviating from their upbringing.

Goldenberg only realized she was live after these statements. "Wait, really... were we on the air?!" she exclaimed. After Zohar confirmed they were broadcasting, she expressed her displeasure, stating it was "not okay" and that she thought it was an "off-screen conversation." She then announced she was leaving, feeling "shocked."

The incident sparked widespread reactions online. Activist Yoav Eliassi, known as "HaTzel," shared a clip of the event, highlighting Goldenberg's statements justifying Hamas's actions and her surprise at being on air, calling her reaction "priceless."