Israeli journalist Yishai Friedman of Channel 14 published allegations Wednesday against fellow reporter Shlomi Eldar, following Eldar's investigation claiming that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu received a warning phone call before the October 7 Hamas massacre. According to Friedman's report, Eldar confirmed he received payment from the left-wing organization Darkenu for podcast work related to the story.
The allegations suggest that after Eldar's investigation was published in Haaretz newspaper, he began collaborating with Darkenu to promote the findings through the organization's platforms, including podcasts and videos. Friedman further claimed that some of these videos were prepared in advance, even before Eldar's reports were published.
Friedman's report alleged connections between individuals currently managing Darkenu and Israel's Democrats party. He specifically mentioned Avishai Ben Aharon and claimed links to Yaya Fink and Naama Lazimi. The report also asserted that the organization is controlled by members of the "HaHalutz" movement, who are affiliated with the Democrats party.
Based on these claims, Friedman characterized the situation as "a political campaign in which journalist Shlomi Eldar is a participant, as is Haaretz newspaper." He also raised questions about disclosure ethics, asking whether Eldar provided proper disclosure to Haaretz that he was "part of a political election campaign by Democrats party activists."
The central element of Friedman's report concerns the payment itself. According to Friedman, Eldar confirmed receiving money for the podcast work: "Shlomi Eldar responded to me that he indeed received funds from the left-wing organization 'Darkenu' for this podcast, which in my view is an election campaign for all intents and purposes."
