Israeli TV Host Eyal Berkovich Suspended Over Remarks

Channel 13 has suspended host Eyal Berkovich following controversial comments made during the program "Moria and Berko." The broadcast management deemed his remarks, which questioned the qualifications of politicians, to be a violation of corporate ethics. The incident occurred during a discussion of U.S. political events, specifically concerning a Michigan politician critical of Israel. When journalist Sulaiman Maswadeh presented information about Abdul El-Sayed, Berkovich expressed skepticism about the politician's medical degree from Columbia University, suggesting that honorary titles are easily given out. He then turned the discussion to Knesset Member Ahmad Tibi, implying that claims of his medical background, specifically in gynecology from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, also required documentation. Maswadeh countered by confirming Tibi's medical education. Berkovich then shifted to a mocking tone towards his co-host, Moria Asraf, who had joined in the lighthearted exchange. Channel 13 responded swiftly, summoning Berkovich for a discussion. The network stated that while freedom of speech and pluralism are important, they do not justify discriminatory remarks. The channel emphasized that Berkovich's comments were incompatible with its corporate ethics and announced his immediate removal from all television projects on the channel.