Israeli Broadcaster Condemns Journalist Ayla Hasson Amid Public Dispute

The Israeli Public Broadcasting Corporation (Kan) has issued a strong condemnation of journalist Ayla Hasson, accusing her of making serious and baseless allegations against the corporation and its executives. The dispute escalated over the weekend, with Hasson initially giving an interview to Radio Galey Israel on Friday morning. Kan responded with a sharp statement Saturday evening, denouncing Hasson's remarks, which included accusations of "inciting an attack" against her and using offensive terms.

Kan stated that Hasson's claims were particularly serious given threats and incitement directed at Lior Landenberg, the Deputy Director of the News Division. The corporation denied that anyone dictated Hasson's response, asserting that drafts were exchanged between the parties before Hasson announced on social media that she would not appear for her broadcast. Kan emphasized its commitment to a wide range of opinions, press freedom, and the professional independence of its journalists, while stating it would not tolerate sweeping, offensive statements or unfounded accusations.

Hasson, in turn, published screenshots of a WhatsApp conversation with Landenberg, calling Kan's response "false." She claimed Landenberg dictated an apology that distorted her words and demanded she read it on air as a condition for her appearance. Hasson argued that Landenberg's message, referring to "this apology," indicated a specific text was required. She also alleged that after consulting the corporation's legal counsel, Landenberg insisted on his dictated text even after she proposed a revised version.

Hasson further accused the corporation of selective enforcement and double standards, suggesting that Kan tolerated more severe statements from other presenters against IDF soldiers while taking action against her. She questioned the varying ethical standards based on the journalist's identity and accused Kan of fueling "wild incitement" against her.

The conflict stems from two controversial statements made by Hasson: remarks about women in Bedouin society and claims of alleged failures in Arab sector polling stations. While an internal ethics committee accepted her public apology, the dispute intensified when Landenberg demanded a live on-air apology. Hasson maintained the dictated apology was intended to humiliate her, leading her to refuse to broadcast under the imposed conditions. The news division rejected her claims, stating the apology demand was to uphold ethical and professional standards.