Israeli Public Broadcaster Attacks Journalist Ayelet Hasson Over Remarks

Israel's Public Broadcasting Corporation, Kan, has issued a strong condemnation of journalist Ayelet Hasson following recent controversial statements she made. Kan stated that Hasson's remarks about the corporation and its management, including baseless accusations of a coordinated attack against her, are severe and unacceptable. The corporation also referenced threats and incitement directed at Lior Landenberg, the Deputy Director of the News Division, which it deemed intolerable.

Kan denied Hasson's claim that she was dictated her response, asserting that drafts were exchanged and that Hasson independently announced on social media she would not appear on air. The broadcaster emphasized its commitment to a wide range of opinions, press freedom, and journalistic independence, while stating it would not tolerate sweeping, offensive statements or unfounded accusations regarding the integrity of Israeli elections. Kan specifically cited Hasson's presentation of suspicions of irregularities in Arab-majority polling stations and her generalizations about Bedouin women as exceeding legitimate journalistic discourse and potentially undermining public trust in the democratic process.

Hasson, in response, accused Kan of issuing a false statement and revealed WhatsApp correspondence. She claimed Landenberg dictated an apology that distorted her words and demanded she read it on air as a condition for her appearance. Hasson shared a message from Landenberg stating that if she did not intend to read "this apology," she should inform him so he could prepare an alternative broadcast. She questioned how Kan could deny dictating her response when Landenberg explicitly conditioned her appearance on reading a specific, pre-written apology.

Hasson further argued that acknowledging such an ultimatum would raise serious questions about press freedom and the corporation's ethical conduct. She stated that after consulting Kan's legal counsel and highlighting the ultimatum as illegal and unethical, Landenberg offered to discuss a revised text. However, he rejected her subsequent proposed clarification and apology, insisting on the original dictated text. Hasson criticized Kan for its perceived leniency towards severe statements against societal sectors and IDF soldiers, contrasting it with its unprecedented actions against her, suggesting a double standard and selective enforcement.

The controversy began after Hasson made remarks about Bedouin women during a radio interview, linking them to the "change bloc" in Israeli politics and making generalizations about polygamy and their origins. While Hasson apologized on X, Kan insisted on a broadcast apology approved in advance. Following a Ynet report about the ultimatum, Hasson stated on the radio that no one would silence her. The report suggests the ultimatum is likely to lead to the end of Hasson's tenure at Kan, with the ongoing mutual attacks reinforcing this outcome. Kan has reportedly involved legal counsel, indicating preparation for potential legal proceedings.