Channel 14 Fails to Represent Mizrahi Supporters, Says Commentator Segal

Political commentator Amit Segal stated that Channel 14, which he described as ostensibly representing the Likud party, does not adequately represent Mizrahi (Middle Eastern and North African Jewish descent) supporters of the party. In an interview on Nadav Peri's podcast, Segal questioned the presence of Mizrahi individuals on the channel, noting that prominent figures like Yinon and Fleishman are Ashkenazi or secular. He also criticized the lack of Mizrahi representation in academia and the justice system, citing Gila Gafni (Steinitz) as an example of someone whose appointment might be seen as connected to her husband, former Ashkenazi minister Yuval Steinitz.

Segal drew a parallel between underrepresentation in media and other sectors, stating, "He who does not count them in life will not be able to count them in a sample." He argued that this lack of recognition would ultimately impact electoral sampling and success.

Furthermore, Segal advised Prime Minister Netanyahu against calling for new elections, citing two primary reasons. First, he suggested that the outcome of elections is unpredictable. Second, he explained that current expectations are that Netanyahu has not been defeated, leading to a perception of victory. However, if elections were held now and Netanyahu secured 59 or 60 seats, it would be perceived as a significant disappointment, making it difficult for him to recover. Segal concluded that pursuing a unity government would involve risks for all parties involved.