MK Tali Gottlieb Clashes Publicly with Journalist Michael Shemesh on 103FM

On August 12, 2026, Member of Knesset Tali Gottlieb engaged in a heated exchange with hosts of 103FM radio after refusing to address reports involving Prime Minister Netanyahu and Minister Katz. Instead, Gottlieb launched a personal attack against journalist Michael Shemesh, accusing him of dishonesty and disputing the accuracy of his recent reporting about her. Despite the hosts' attempts to steer the conversation back to the Defense Minister and their requests to stop attacking a journalist who was not present to respond, Gottlieb insisted on continuing her criticism. She stated, "I say what I want, and if not, don’t ask me any questions." Gottlieb also cited an example from the previous day where she claimed Shemesh published false information about her, which she labeled as "a lie." The hosts repeatedly emphasized that Shemesh was not on air to defend himself and reminded Gottlieb that the original topic was the Defense Minister's conduct, but she persisted in focusing on her grievances against the reporter.