Israeli Reporter Uri Levy Addresses Controversy Over Concealing Identity in Interview with Mohamed Salah

Uri Levy, a reporter for Israel's Kan 11, responded to the backlash following his interview with Egyptian national team star Mohamed Salah during the 2026 World Cup. The controversy centered on why Levy did not openly identify himself as Israeli to Salah, who is not considered friendly toward Israel. In an interview on the program "Sheva Tsha" with Gideon Oku and Amichai Etali, Levy acknowledged he did not anticipate the strong reactions. He described the moment as a career highlight, noting he had covered Salah since his early days and felt the interview was a significant opportunity.

Levy explained that his decision not to reveal his Israeli affiliation was spontaneous, driven by arriving late to the interview area with only three minutes left. He admitted to being "a bit Israeli in the situation," quickly securing the microphone without formally introducing his media outlet. Levy said that had he disclosed he was from an Israeli channel, the interview would have taken a very different and more complicated turn for Salah. He emphasized that he understands the criticism from both sides but denied deliberately hiding his nationality, stating, "I am not the story here."

Levy stressed his main goal was to bring the World Cup experience closer to Israeli viewers, working hard every day to make them feel connected to the tournament. Looking ahead to the final stages of the World Cup, he analyzed the teams, naming France as the natural favorite but suggesting they might lack the "heart" of Argentina. He also identified Morocco as the only team capable of challenging the French "machine." Levy concluded with an exciting prediction of a dream final between Portugal and Argentina featuring Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, calling it a "crazy Hollywood moment" that could very well happen.