Veteran Arab Affairs Commentator Hazi Simantov Leaves Channel 13 After Nearly 24 Years

Hazi Simantov, a prominent commentator and presenter on Arab affairs, has announced his departure from Channel 13 after nearly 24 years in Israeli broadcast journalism. Simantov began his media career in 2002 at Channel 10 News, where he joined the Arab desk and later became a correspondent for the West Bank and head of the desk. He covered major security and political events including the Second Lebanon War, Operation Cast Lead, Operation Pillar of Defense, Operation Protective Edge, the release of Gilad Shalit, and Operation Sword of Iron.

Following the 2019 merger of Reshet and Channel 10, Simantov transitioned to Channel 13 News, continuing his role as an Arab affairs analyst and presenter. In 2024, he was appointed head of the Arab affairs desk at Channel 13 News, a position he is now set to leave. Simantov served in the IDF Medical Corps and studied Middle Eastern studies at Bar-Ilan University before embarking on his journalism career. Currently, he is considering several intriguing professional offers, though his next career move remains undecided and closely watched within the media industry.