Ayelet Hasson Publishes Correspondence Amidst Dispute With Kan News Director

Reporter Ayelet Hasson has released an exchange of messages with Kan's News Director, Lior Landenberg, after the broadcaster denied her claim that she was dictated a specific apology. Hasson alleges that Landenberg demanded she read a prepared statement during her broadcast as a condition for appearing, a claim the "Kan" corporation (Israeli Public Broadcasting Corporation) denied.

Hasson stated that the corporation's response was "false" and provided correspondence she says proves her appearance was contingent on reading a specific text. According to the messages, Landenberg sent Hasson a text for the program's opening, which included an apology for "two statements" she had made. Hasson responded that her apology on social media had settled the matter, but Landenberg insisted it was a "professional and ethical journalistic decision" and asked her to confirm if she would not read the apology so he could prepare an alternative broadcast.

Hasson accused the corporation of lying, asserting that Landenberg dictated an apology that distorted her words and attributed meanings she did not intend. She highlighted Landenberg's written request for her to inform him "as soon as possible" if she did not intend to read "this apology," emphasizing that it was not an apology she would formulate herself but a specific dictated one.

She further claimed that after seeking legal counsel and stating the ultimatum was illegal and unethical, Landenberg suggested a revised text could be reached. However, he rejected her proposed clarification and apology, insisting on the original dictated text. Hasson criticized the corporation for its "unprecedented" and "selective enforcement" and "double standards," questioning the rationale behind its actions, especially when compared to its perceived leniency towards severe statements against segments of Israeli society and IDF soldiers.

The corporation, in its own statement, claimed that drafts were exchanged and that Hasson had announced on social media that she would not appear. They also stated that Landenberg had received threats and incitement over the weekend and affirmed their support for his professional decisions.