Channel 14 Anchor Confronts Doctor Who Insulted Likud Voters as 'Baboons'

A controversial Facebook post by Dr. Dov Lexman, a senior gynecologist, comparing Likud voters to various types of monkeys, has sparked widespread outrage on social media and beyond. The post, which categorized Likud supporters into four evolutionary tiers including "baboons" as the largest and lowest group, was publicly condemned by Channel 14 news anchors Noam Petahi and Shay Goldstein.

On Monday night, during the show "Petahi et Shay," Noam Petahi strongly criticized Lexman's post, calling it unacceptable regardless of the author's position. Shay Goldstein attempted to reach Lexman live on air to demand an explanation, but the doctor did not answer. Goldstein later revealed that Lexman saw his call on WhatsApp but chose not to respond.

Lexman’s original post described Likud voters in derogatory terms, attributing negative traits and ethnic stereotypes, which led to his suspension from the Assuta and Maccabi medical organizations. In his first public response since the backlash, Lexman admitted to using the term "dominant Moroccan" factually but denied inciting violence. He framed the post as a provocative attempt to "troll" before elections and apologized for offending many people.

He criticized the suspension as "a minor blow" and called it "quite stupid" given the shortage of specialist doctors. Lexman also tried to justify his use of the term "baboons" as a common internet insult, comparing it to other offensive terms used in political discourse. He denied being racist, citing his own mixed family background, and lamented the division within Israeli society, expressing hope for future unity.

The incident highlights the tensions in Israeli political discourse and the consequences public figures face for inflammatory statements online.