Israeli Journalists Clash Over Broadcast Standards Amidst Controversy

Journalist Ayla Hasson will not be broadcasting her program on Kan 11 this Wednesday after refusing to issue a second on-air apology demanded by the network. Hasson had previously apologized on social media for remarks made about women in Bedouin society on Galei Israel, and while an ethics committee accepted her apology, Kan 11 insisted on a further, scripted on-air apology. Hasson refused, stating in a critical post, "Hello my dear viewers, we will not meet on air tonight."

Political commentator Amit Segal of Channel 12 defended Hasson, launching a sharp attack on the Israeli Public Broadcasting Corporation (Kan). In a post on X, Segal sarcastically congratulated Kan for finding its first flaw in a presenter after a decade of "impeccable balance" and "respectful discourse." He added that those who "curry favor with a small sect" should seek funding from that sect, not the public.

Tali Moreno, a news anchor for Kan 11, responded critically to Segal's remarks. She shared his post on X and retorted, "With your permission, Amit, we will take advice from someone else. Let's say someone whose journalistic standards are a bit higher, with less attraction to a delicate tango. Thank you."

Hasson, in an exclusive statement to ice, vehemently denied any racist intent in her original remark. She explained that she was expressing pity for women experiencing polygamy, in the context of a discussion about the liberal bloc and holding up a mirror. Hasson contrasted this with what she described as years of public vilification against various groups, including the ultra-Orthodox and IDF soldiers, and the labeling of Gaza militants as "freedom fighters," asserting that such instances did not provoke similar outcry.