Finance Minister Smotrich Slams Public Broadcasting Over Presenter's Departure
Translated & summarized from Kipa by baba
Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich criticized the Israeli Public Broadcasting Corporation (Kan 11) after journalist Ayelet Hasson resigned, accusing the network of silencing public voices. Smotrich supported Hasson, calling her departure a "folly" funded by taxpayers. Hasson stated she could not work for an organization that silences public discourse, following a dispute over an apology for her remarks.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich criticized Kan 11 for silencing public voices after journalist Ayelet Hasson resigned.
- Smotrich called the situation a "folly" funded by taxpayers, supporting Hasson's work.
- Hasson resigned after a dispute with news management over an apology for her statements.
- Hasson claimed she was asked to read a dictated apology text.
- Kan 11 stated that draft apologies were exchanged to reach an agreement.
Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich launched a sharp attack on the Israeli Public Broadcasting Corporation (Kan 11) on Wednesday, following the decision of journalist and presenter Ayelet Hasson to leave the network. In a post on his X account, Smotrich expressed support for Hasson, praised her journalistic work, and claimed the corporation silences a significant segment of the public that lacks adequate representation.
"Dear Ayelet. Thank you for voicing every evening the opinion of an entire public that is silenced within the public corporation funded by public money," Smotrich wrote. He added, "You are professional and important within the media discourse in Israel." Smotrich concluded his remarks with harsh criticism of the corporation, stating, "The folly for which we pay out of our pockets for media that silences a large public in the State of Israel must stop."
Smotrich's comments come after Hasson announced her departure from the public broadcaster on Tuesday, concluding a prolonged dispute with the news division's management. The core of the disagreement reportedly centered on a demand for a televised apology for her remarks, with Hasson claiming she was required to read a dictated text. The corporation denied this, stating that drafts were exchanged in an attempt to reach an agreement.
In her resignation statement, Hasson asserted that she could not continue working for an organization that seeks to silence voices within the Israeli public.
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