WhatsApp Row Erupts at Channel 12 News Over Arab Citizen Rights

A dispute arose within the Channel 12 News WhatsApp group after journalist Mohammed Magadla discussed the treatment of Arab citizens in Israel and the importance of their right to vote, in light of recent reports concerning election bribery and Qatar. Magadla stated in the group that he wished to voice the concerns of Arab citizens, who constitute 20% of Israel's population, warning against their exclusion, whether intentional or not. He stressed the need to differentiate between maintaining election integrity and engaging in campaigns and briefings by racist elements who, he claimed, aim to push the Arab public beyond the boundaries of legitimacy in the country.

Magadla further emphasized that the media should highlight the significance of voting rights for every minority in a democratic state, calling it the most basic right in a democracy and a measure of a free press and a democratic nation. His remarks received brief support, noted as '+1', from writer Ilan Lokaach and news anchor Ron Yaron. Reporter Adva Dadon also agreed with his points but added a reservation: "However, I feel very uncomfortable when you do not call Hamas a terrorist organization." At this point, the CEO of Channel 12 News, Avi Weiss, intervened and wrote in the group, "Thank you. We are finished."