Itamar Fleishman Criticizes Journalist Carmela Menashe for Questioning Soldiers

During a broadcast of the program "The Patriots" on Channel 14, panelist Itamar Fleishman sharply criticized veteran journalist Carmela Menashe from the Public Broadcasting Corporation. The dispute arose after Menashe asked soldiers returning from fighting in Lebanon, "Don’t you feel like sitting ducks?" Fleishman argued that this question undermined the soldiers’ perspective and reinforced a negative narrative contrary to the soldiers’ own statements and the majority public opinion.

Fleishman recounted that Menashe met two soldiers who had fought across all combat zones, risking their lives to secure their positions. The soldiers expressed that their experience only strengthened their sense of mission and clarity about their purpose. Despite this, Menashe’s question implied vulnerability and doubt, which Fleishman said contradicted the soldiers’ sentiments.

He emphasized that Menashe, a seasoned journalist with decades of experience, has historically promoted narratives opposing those of the soldiers and the broader public. Fleishman condemned her approach as damaging, especially when posed directly to soldiers who had just shared their convictions. The exchange highlights ongoing tensions in Israeli media coverage of military operations and the framing of soldiers’ experiences.