Reshet 13 Faces Internal Storm Over Berkovic and Berko Program Remarks
A major storm has erupted at Reshet 13 following on-air remarks by Eyal Berkovic and Moria Berko favoring a Zionist government and a clash with presenter Lucy Ahrish.
A fierce storm has erupted around the current affairs program hosted by Moria Berko and Eyal Berkovic on Reshet 13, sparking heavy criticism within left-wing circles and inside the network itself. Since the elections, the hosts have openly expressed aversion to forming a government relying on Arab parties, advocating instead for a unity government without them. This stance peaked when Berkovic stated that given the current political impasse, Benjamin Netanyahu should serve as Israel's next prime minister.
The controversial discussions unfold against a backdrop of a complex parliamentary deadlock, with neither bloc securing a 61-mandate majority. The anti-Netanyahu bloc maintains its pledge not to serve under him, alongside Avigdor Lieberman's dual veto on Netanyahu and partnerships with Ra'am and Hadash-Ta'al. Meanwhile, the pro-Netanyahu bloc campaigns heavily against Arab parties and seeks defectors, placing the political involvement of Arab citizens at the center of a heated debate within the network.
Tensions boiled over into a severe on-air clash with presenter Lucy Ahrish. Immediately following exit polls, Moria Berko reported from Likud headquarters that there are 90 Zionist mandates. Ahrish, denied the floor to respond, angrily walked off the set, declaring she would not serve as anyone's token Arab or potted plant in the studio.
The confrontation escalated during a commercial break when Ahrish returned to the studio and Berkovic hurled a derogatory remark telling her to go shout in her village. Ahrish burst into tears, demanding disciplinary action and a formal apology, though Berkovic has yet to apologize directly. In private conversations with managers, Ahrish noted the double standard, stating that such remarks directed elsewhere would result in immediate suspension.
Amid mounting internal turmoil and management silence, Moria Berko responded to the growing controversy via Instagram. She defended her position by asking when calling for a Zionist government became considered racist, concluding with an invitation to watch their upcoming broadcast on Reshet 13.
