News Anchor Asraf Defends Co-Host, Criticizes Media Bias

News 13 anchor Moria Asraf strongly criticized the Israeli media on Sunday, accusing it of silencing voices that do not conform to mainstream views, following the suspension of her co-host Eyal Berkovich. Asraf stated that the media has become slightly more balanced over the years but still marginalizes many people whose opinions are not heard or are immediately deemed illegitimate.

She condemned what she called a "campaign of slander and de-legitimization" against media personalities with views differing from the mainstream. Asraf claimed that even positions based on factual and ideological arguments are suppressed. She referenced an opinion piece in "Haaretz" that called for her dismissal, quoting the author's description of her as "a more serious case, she has pretensions, she is taken seriously." Asraf responded, "She is right, you will not succeed in straightening me out, in her words. The arguments, the substance, the ideology, they are much stronger than a few tweeters and columnists."

Referring to Berkovich, who was absent from the program due to his suspension, Asraf called him a "great television personality and a very dear person to my heart." She explained his absence was due to an "inappropriate statement" made on the previous program and confirmed he would return soon.

Berkovich was immediately suspended from News 13 broadcasts after a controversy erupted when he and Asraf questioned the academic credentials of American politician Abdul El-Sayed and Member of Knesset Ahmad Tibi, both of whom hold medical degrees. Berkovich had stated on air, "They also tell Ahmad Tibi that he is a doctor. Everyone is a doctor. Let him bring the certificate."

Following criticism, Berkovich had a clarifying conversation with the network, after which the decision was made to suspend him. News 13 stated that the remarks made on the program did not align with the company's values. Asraf concluded by promising that the program "Moria and Berkovich" would continue to host and represent all segments of Israeli society, particularly those whose voices she believes are rarely heard elsewhere.