Channel 12 Accused of Distorting Reality with Controversial Poll Question on Netanyahu

Channel 12's program "Friday Studio" has drawn criticism for conducting a poll asking viewers if they would consider leaving Israel should Benjamin Netanyahu win the upcoming elections. The question has sparked concern, with critics arguing it distorts reality and promotes a divisive narrative. Journalist Yaara Zared expressed alarm not at the poll responses but at the question itself, highlighting a pattern of escalating rhetoric in election cycles that frames Netanyahu's potential victory as a threat to democracy and the state.

Zared criticized the implication that some citizens' loyalty to Israel is conditional, pointing out that many benefiting from the country's opportunities would unlikely abandon it due to political changes. She condemned Channel 12 for perpetuating a campaign of refusal and disloyalty, emphasizing that in a democracy, while prime ministers can be replaced, the homeland remains constant. The controversy reflects ongoing tensions in Israeli media and politics surrounding Netanyahu's leadership and public perception.

The debate underscores the polarized atmosphere ahead of the elections, with media outlets playing a significant role in shaping public opinion. Channel 12's approach has been labeled as an attempt to engineer viewers' consciousness, raising questions about media responsibility and the impact of such narratives on national unity.