Eyal Berkovich Suspended from Channel 13 After Controversial Remarks
Translated & summarized from Walla by baba
Channel 13 suspended host Eyal Berkovich for questioning MK Ahmed Tibi's doctorate on air. Berkovich's son defended him, criticizing the suspension and Tibi. This follows an earlier incident where Berkovich allegedly made a racist remark to Lucy Aharish, for which he apologized but denied racism. Channel 13 cited unacceptable comments contrary to their values for the suspension.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Eyal Berkovich was suspended from Channel 13 for questioning MK Ahmed Tibi's doctoral degree on air.
- Berkovich's son, Lior, defended his father, calling the suspension unfair and Tibi an "Israel-hater."
- The suspension follows an earlier accusation of a racist remark made by Berkovich to Lucy Aharish.
- Channel 13 stated Berkovich's comments were unacceptable and violated company values.
- Lior Berkovich urged his father to continue expressing his opinions and not change.
Channel 13 has suspended host Eyal Berkovich from broadcasting following a controversial statement he made about Member of Knesset Ahmed Tibi during a live show, where he questioned Tibi's doctoral degree. Berkovich's son, Lior Berkovich, a podcaster and former footballer, defended his father on Instagram, criticizing the decision and stating, "You can't express an opinion anymore without someone getting offended." He also referenced Tibi's reaction to the October 7th events, questioning the sudden concern for the MK's well-being while accusing Tibi of being "the biggest Israel-hater in the country."
Lior Berkovich urged his father to "continue on your path" and "never change," encouraging him to keep expressing his opinions and return after a short break with renewed energy. This suspension comes shortly after Berkovich was accused of another racist remark during an election broadcast, where he allegedly told Lucy Aharish, "Calm down, you're not in the village here." Aharish demanded an apology and refused to continue broadcasting.
Berkovich addressed the earlier controversy on his show, admitting that his statement might have been inappropriate but denying it was racist. Channel 13 issued a statement regarding the suspension, emphasizing that while freedom of expression is a cornerstone of free press, it does not justify racist remarks. The channel stated that Berkovich's comments were unacceptable and contrary to the company's values, leading to an immediate suspension after a clarifying discussion.
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