Channel 13 Election Broadcast Descends Into On-Air Dispute

A heated argument erupted backstage at Israel's Channel 13 news between reporter Lucy Aharish and commentator Eyal Berkovich during election night coverage on Tuesday. The dispute, which began with an exchange during the broadcast, escalated during a commercial break and required intervention from senior network executives, including owner Asaf Rappaport.

The incident reportedly started shortly after exit poll results were released. Political correspondent Moriyah Asraf, reporting from the Likud party headquarters, referred to "90 Zionist mandates" and called for Zionist unity. Aharish, present in the studio, reacted strongly to Asraf's comments on air.

Berkovich, also in the studio, responded to Aharish's reaction. During the commercial break, their disagreement turned into a loud confrontation. According to witnesses, Aharish called Asraf and Berkovich "racists" for their remarks about a "Zionist government." Berkovich became enraged and reportedly told Aharish, "Calm down, you're not in the village here."

Distraught by the confrontation, Aharish left the studio. Asaf Rappaport, an owner of Channel 13, who was at the network's studios in Neve Ilan, came to investigate. Sources close to the situation said Aharish began crying and told Rappaport, "Look how they treat me in my home." Rappaport reportedly comforted Aharish, stating that the remarks were unacceptable and that she could leave if she felt unable to return to the studio. Channel CEO Idan Alrum also approached Aharish, promising to demand an apology from Berkovich.