Kikar HaShabbatPolitics14:35

Channel 13 Suspends Host Eyal Berkovich After Questioning MK Tibi's Credentials

By כיכר השבת, יאיר טוקר

Translated & summarized from Kikar HaShabbat by baba

Religious

Hebrew · 12 newsrooms covering

Channel 13 has suspended host Eyal Berkovich following comments he made questioning the academic credentials of MK Ahmed Tibi. Berkovich had previously been involved in a controversy with co-host Lucy Aharish, whom he told to "calm down, you're not in the village here." The network stated that while it values free speech, Berkovich's remarks were unacceptable and did not align with its values.

The story in 5 lines · by baba

Channel 13 suspended host Eyal Berkovich for questioning MK Ahmed Tibi's academic credentials.
Berkovich's suspension follows recent remarks about a politician's doctorate and Tibi's medical degree.
The network cited Berkovich's comments as unacceptable and contrary to company values.
This incident is the second recent controversy for Berkovich on the show.
Berkovich previously told co-host Lucy Aharish to "calm down, you're not in the village here."

Channel 13 Suspends Host Eyal Berkovich After Questioning MK Tibi's Credentials — Editorial illustration generated by baba News, not a photograph of the event.

Channel 13 has suspended host and former footballer Eyal Berkovich from broadcasting, effective immediately. The decision follows remarks Berkovich made on Saturday during his show "Moriyah and Berkovich." While discussing the appointment of an anti-Israel politician to the Michigan Senate, Berkovich questioned the academic credentials of the politician, who holds a doctorate. Berkovich then publicly doubted the medical and academic qualifications of Member of Knesset Ahmed Tibi, suggesting that anyone could claim a title and that Tibi should provide proof.

Berkovich was summoned for a clarification meeting with Channel 13's management, after which the suspension was decided. A statement from Channel 13 said, "Freedom of expression and diversity of opinions are cornerstones of free journalism, but they do not justify racist statements. The remarks made yesterday on the show 'Moriyah and Berkovich' are unacceptable and do not align with the company's values."

This incident follows a previous controversy involving Berkovich on the same program. Days earlier, he engaged in a heated exchange with co-host Lucy Aharish, whom he told to "calm down, you're not in the village here" after she accused him and Moriyah Asraf of racism. The earlier dispute began during election coverage when Asraf mentioned "90 Zionist mandates." Aharish reportedly became upset, calling the remarks "racist." Berkovich reacted angrily to the accusation, leading to Aharish leaving the studio in tears. Channel 13 owner Assaf Rappaport supported Aharish, stating such remarks were unacceptable. Aharish demanded a public apology, which Berkovich did not formally provide, arguing that while his statement might have been inaccurate, the public and media had overreacted.