Berkovich Returns to Air, Defends Remarks Amid Racism Claims

Israeli broadcaster Eyal Berkovich returned to the airwaves on Sunday evening on Channel 13, a week after being suspended for remarks that sparked accusations of racism. Co-hosting "Moriah and Berko" with Moriah Asraf, Berkovich addressed the controversy, rejecting the criticism against him and claiming the backlash was exaggerated.

Berkovich suggested the focus on him was a distraction from the political deadlock, stating, "They made a spectacle out of me. The story here is that they can't form a government and they were busy with Berko." He asserted his right to speak his mind freely, mentioning past criticisms of various groups including Netanyahu, Haredim, "Bibists," and Arabs.

He dismissed the racism allegations, characterizing his comments as humor that was misinterpreted. "You can't say the word racism every time something is criticized or joked about. It wasn't racism. It was a joke, but it was convenient for them to make a spectacle out of me because of the story with Lucy Aharish earlier in the week," he explained. Berkovich added that his show is unfiltered, and while some people may get offended, that's the nature of the program.

The suspension followed comments Berkovich made last week questioning the academic credentials of Democratic candidate Abdul al-Sayed and Knesset member Ahmed Tibi. Channel 13 stated his remarks did not align with the company's values after an explanatory conversation with him. This incident occurred shortly after a public dispute with TV presenter Lucy Aharish, which also drew criticism for his statements, though he acknowledged his wording might have been imprecise in that instance.