Suleiman Maswadeh Delivers Sharp Critique of Netanyahu and Right-Wing Media on Channel 13

Suleiman Maswadeh, a presenter and commentator, replaced Moria Asraf on Channel 13 and used his monologue opportunity to deliver a pointed critique. Maswadeh targeted Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his wife, as well as right-wing media figures, accusing them of double standards in their treatment of Arabs. He sarcastically remarked that the situation "warmed his heart" before criticizing right-wing journalists Shimon Riklin, Yinon Magal, and Yehuda Shlezinger.

Maswadeh showed a clip of Riklin referencing a campaign accusing Benny Gantz of forming a government with Arab parties, specifically Ra'am, highlighting the inconsistency of right-wing media who previously accepted such coalitions as legitimate. He then played a segment of Magal chastising right-wing party leaders who questioned Netanyahu's plan to form a government with Ra'am, sarcastically calling Magal the "main shofar" of this stance. Finally, Maswadeh cited a 2021 tweet by Yehuda Shlezinger expressing preference for a government with a "cousin" who wants coexistence over one with a "brother" who incites violence, endorsing the sentiment.

Maswadeh's monologue was notable for its directness and for challenging prominent right-wing media figures and political narratives regarding Arab parties and coalition politics in Israel. The broadcast aired on August 6, 2026, on Channel 13, marking a significant moment in Israeli media discourse. The discussion involved key figures such as Ahmad Tibi, Yinon Magal, Shimon Riklin, Yehuda Shlezinger, and was noted by journalist Eyal Berkovich.