Israeli Broadcaster KAN Condemns Host Ayala Hasson Amid Controversy

The Israeli Public Broadcasting Corporation KAN issued a strong statement on Saturday, November 7, condemning its host, Ayala Hasson, following controversial remarks she made about Bedouin women. The dispute escalated after Hasson refused to issue a public apology on air as demanded by KAN management, a move that Ynet reported is likely to lead to her departure from the corporation. KAN has also engaged legal counsel, signaling a potential legal battle.

The controversy began during an interview on Radio Galey Israel, where Hasson questioned the political alignment of Bedouin female voters. She described women wearing headscarves, whose husbands have multiple wives, as often victims of domestic violence and considered elderly by their mid-twenties. Hasson alleged that due to polygamy bans, men formally divorce but women remain in the household while child benefits continue. She identified these women as typically Palestinian from Hura, Hebron, and Gaza, and referenced the sister of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh, questioning if these voters and the Muslim Brotherhood could be considered a "change bloc."

Although Hasson later apologized on social media platform X, KAN management insisted on a televised apology with pre-approved text. After Ynet reported on this ultimatum, Hasson reiterated her stance on Radio Galey Israel, stating that "no Bolshevik" would silence her. In response, KAN released an official statement vehemently condemning Hasson's "serious statements" against the corporation and its leadership, including baseless accusations of incitement. KAN also addressed threats made against Deputy Director General Lior Landenberg, calling them "harsh and provocative."

The corporation clarified that no one dictated Hasson's response, stating that drafts were exchanged until she unilaterally announced she would not broadcast. KAN affirmed its commitment to a wide range of opinions, press freedom, and journalistic independence, but stated it would not tolerate "sweeping and offensive statements" or unfounded doubts about election integrity. KAN emphasized that Hasson's comments, which generalize suspicions of electoral violations across the Arab sector and make offensive remarks about Bedouin women, exceed the bounds of responsible journalism and could undermine public trust in the democratic process.