Eyal Berkovich Returns to Air After Controversial Remarks

By מערכת ice

Translated & summarized from Ice by baba

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Hebrew · 3 newsrooms covering

Israeli host Eyal Berkovich is returning to Channel 13 this Sunday after a short suspension for controversial remarks questioning the doctoral degrees of politician Abdul El-Sayed and MK Ahmed Tibi. He will also resume his radio show on 103FM. The suspension followed public outrage and a clarification meeting with the network. Berkovich's return comes after a week of internal tensions, including a public dispute with host Lucy Aharish.

The story in 5 lines · by baba

Eyal Berkovich returns to Channel 13 on Sunday after a suspension for controversial remarks.
Berkovich questioned the doctoral degrees of politician Abdul El-Sayed and MK Ahmed Tibi.
His suspension was shortened by Channel 13 following public outrage and a clarification meeting.
He will also resume his daily radio show on 103FM with Arel Segall.
The incident follows a recent public confrontation between Berkovich and host Lucy Aharish.

Eyal Berkovich Returns to Air After Controversial Remarks — Editorial illustration generated by baba News, not a photograph of the event.

Israeli television host Eyal Berkovich will return to broadcasting this Sunday, just days after being suspended for controversial statements. Channel 13 decided to shorten his suspension, and he will co-host the current affairs program "Moriyah and Berkovich" with journalist Moriyah Asraf. Before his television return, Berkovich is scheduled to record an episode of the podcast "The Magician and His Sons" with his son Lior Berkovich and friend Yoav Gabizon. Lior Berkovich hinted on Instagram that experiences from the "Midburn" festival, where he recently participated, might surprise his father.

Berkovich will also resume his regular morning radio show on 103FM at 11:00 AM alongside Arel Segall, replacing journalist Haim Levinson who filled in during his absence. Levinson's role was unrelated to the controversy.

Berkovich's suspension stemmed from remarks made during a live broadcast last Saturday. He questioned the doctoral degrees of politician Abdul El-Sayed and Member of Knesset Ahmed Tibi, stating on air, "Everyone is given the title doctor, let him bring the certificate." This comment sparked widespread outrage on social media and calls for an apology from political figures.

Channel 13 responded swiftly, summoning Berkovich for an immediate clarification meeting. Following the meeting, the channel decided to suspend him, emphasizing that freedom of expression does not justify statements that harm societal values. This incident follows a period of heightened internal tension for Berkovich, including a public confrontation with host Lucy Aharish the previous week, which led to a delay in airing a scheduled interview with him.

Channel 13 confirmed Berkovich's return but declined further official comment. Industry observers will be watching Sunday's broadcast to see if Berkovich addresses the controversy or continues his broadcasting without comment.