Veteran Broadcaster Natan Zehavi Seeks New Job After Winning Legal Battle Against 103FM

Veteran Israeli radio host Natan Zehavi announced he is seeking new employment after winning a significant court ruling against his former employer, radio station 103FM. The Tel Aviv District Court ruled earlier this week that 103FM unlawfully suspended Zehavi without pay for over two years, ordering the station to pay him approximately 796,500 shekels in back wages plus 75,000 shekels in legal fees.

The legal dispute began in November 2022 following Zehavi's controversial remarks on his show "Zehavi Angry," where he expressed extreme criticism of ultra-Orthodox public officials, including a statement wishing some would hang themselves. In response, 103FM immediately suspended him and demanded an apology and guarantees for future compliance with broadcasting regulations. Zehavi refused, arguing through his lawyer Lior Epstein that the unpaid suspension was not contractually justified and that the station had unilaterally altered their agreement after years of supporting his outspoken style.

While the station claimed Zehavi breached the contract by ignoring directives and regulatory obligations, the court acknowledged the management's authority but ruled the unpaid suspension violated the contract terms. The court rejected Zehavi's defamation claims and upheld the station's right to criticize him within legal protections. The judge also ordered the termination of the contract and instructed the station to decide whether to enforce a non-compete clause, which would either require continued payment or allow Zehavi to join another media outlet immediately.

Following the verdict, Zehavi posted on Facebook that a seasoned broadcaster with decades of experience and hundreds of thousands of listeners is looking for serious job offers. This development marks a new chapter for the prominent media personality after a prolonged legal battle and professional hiatus.