Israeli TV Networks Clash Over Conflicting Exit Poll Projections
Israeli TV networks clashed over exit poll projections as Channel 13 omitted Channel 14's data showing 30 mandates for Likud. Pollster Shlomo Filber defended his figures, pointing to expected results in right-wing strongholds.
Israeli television networks presented differing exit poll projections during election coverage, highlighting a notable dispute over the projected mandate count for the ruling Likud party. While Channels 12 and 13, alongside Kan 11, incorporated comparative data from various broadcasters, Channel 13 notably omitted exit poll figures compiled by Shlomo Filber for Channel 14.
During Channel 13’s broadcast, hosted by Udi Segal alongside panelists Raviv Drucker, Shai Golden, and Eyal Berkovic, Channel 14’s numbers were discussed verbally but excluded from onscreen graphics. Panelists engaged with Shmuel Rosner, Channel 13’s pollster, who stated that he currently saw no voter leakage beyond the 25 mandates projected for Likud in his network's poll.
Projections for Likud varied significantly across broadcasters, ranging from 24 to 25 mandates in most polls up to 27 on i24News and 30 in Israeli media. Meanwhile, former Chief of Staff Gadi Eisenkot was projected to win 19 mandates in Israeli media, compared to 23 in Israeli media. Subsequent updates also showed minor shifts, including The Democrats rising to 10 mandates in Israeli media and Avigdor Liberman dropping to 9.
Addressing the discrepancies, pollster Shlomo Filber defended his methodology and suggested coordination among other pollsters.
"We remember our story from last time when they tried to coordinate exit poll numbers with us. Apparently, someone picked up the phone to someone else tonight and made sure to coordinate, but we will leave that aside,", Filber stated, adding that final results would depend on vote counting in right-wing and Likud strongholds.
