Political Commentator Tamir Morag Criticizes Court's Decision to Cancel Conviction of Left-Wing Activist Who Attacked Reporter Moti Kastel

On August 9, 2026, Tamir Morag, a political commentator for Channel 14 News, expressed surprise and criticism over a court ruling that overturned the conviction of left-wing activist Avner Shemesh, who had attacked political reporter Moti Kastel. Morag tweeted that he was surprised by Kastel's shock, stating that in Israel there are two types of people: those subject to the law and those exempt from it, with the latter using the law as a political weapon against opponents.

Morag further commented that repeated acts of violence are often excused if committed by individuals on the "right" political side, implying a double standard in the application of justice. Earlier, Kastel had sharply condemned the court's decision to cancel Shemesh's conviction, despite Shemesh admitting to four counts of violence and threats in two separate incidents, including attacks on Kastel and another individual, Tali Tirosh Weiner.

The court justified its decision by noting that Shemesh recognized his wrongful and impulsive behavior and had undergone 14 sessions of cognitive behavioral therapy, showing improvement. As a result, the court ordered the cancellation of the conviction but acknowledged that Shemesh did commit the acts. He was sentenced to 100 hours of community service, ordered to pay 500 shekels in compensation to the victims, and to provide a 2,000 shekel commitment.

Kastel criticized the ruling, arguing that the prosecution's reference to a "right to protest" was misplaced and suggested either prosecutorial negligence or ill intent. The decision sparked outrage in the Knesset, with lawmakers calling it a disgrace to the judicial system. Morag's remarks highlight ongoing tensions regarding perceived political bias in Israel's legal system.