Democrats Exclude Channel 14 from Primaries Coverage, Label It Government Propaganda

Democratic Party members of the Knesset, Efrat Rayten and Yaya Pink, criticized the outgoing Israeli government and explained why Channel 14 was barred from covering their party's primaries event held Monday in Tel Aviv. While nearly all media outlets were allowed, Channel 14 was denied entry due to its perceived role as a propaganda tool for the ruling government. Rayten described Channel 14 as "not a normal media channel in Israel," but rather "a propaganda channel" that serves as a mouthpiece for the government, spreading messages of incitement, hatred, division, and lies. She argued there is no justification for granting regulatory benefits to a channel aligned with the government’s agenda.

Pink echoed these sentiments, questioning why a propaganda channel should be included in coverage, suggesting its reporting would be biased and hostile, labeling the party leaders as "the people who hate Israel the most." He called for ending all regulatory perks and government support for Channel 14, insisting it should operate independently in the free market. Regarding the primaries, Pink praised the democratic process within the party, contrasting it with the Likud party’s cancellation of primaries and decision-making behind closed doors. He highlighted that nearly 100,000 people voted, and the party list reflects Israel’s diverse society.

Rayten described the primaries event as a moment of great joy and hope, signaling a new beginning for Israel. She emphasized the party’s clear goal to replace the current government, "open a new page," and offer citizens a starkly different alternative from the past four years.