Berkovich and Aharish Clash During Election Broadcast; Owner Intervenes

A heated argument erupted backstage at Channel 13 on Tuesday between reporters Lucy Aharish and Eyal Berkovich following remarks made during an election broadcast. The dispute escalated to the point where Assaf Rappaport, an owner of Channel 13, intervened.

The incident began shortly after exit poll results were released. Political correspondent Moria Asraf reported from the Likud headquarters, referring to "90 Zionist mandates" and calling for Zionist unity. Aharish, present in the studio, reacted angrily to Asraf's comments on air.

Berkovich, also in the studio, responded to Aharish's reaction. During a commercial break, the argument between Aharish and Berkovich intensified, with voices raised. Sources present stated that Aharish called Asraf and Berkovich "racists" for their comments about a "Zionist government," enraging Berkovich. Eyewitnesses reported Berkovich told Aharish, "Calm down, you're not in the village here." A visibly upset Aharish then left the studio.

Assaf Rappaport, an owner of the channel, who was at the Channel 13 studios in Neve Ilan at the time, came to investigate. According to sources familiar with the details, Aharish began to cry and told Rappaport, "Look how they treat me in my home." Rappaport reportedly hugged Aharish and told her that the remarks were unacceptable and that it was fine if she felt unable to return to the studio.

Channel CEO Idan Alrum also arrived and told Aharish that he would demand an apology from Berkovich. Channel 13 responded to Ynet by stating that "there is no place for such talk."