An unprecedented confrontation erupted behind the scenes of Channel 13's election broadcast Tuesday night between anchor Lucy Aharish and co-anchor Eyal Berkowitz, escalating to threats of walkout, tears, and emergency intervention by the network's top ownership, according to a report published today on Ynet.
The clash began shortly after poll results were released. Political correspondent Moria Asraf, reporting from Likud headquarters, referenced "90 Zionist mandates" and called for Zionist unity. The remarks drew an on-air response from Aharish, who objected to the framing.
Berkowitz responded to her comments, and the exchange quickly moved off-camera. During the commercial break, tempers flared in the Neve Ilan studio. According to those present, Aharish called Asraf and Berkowitz "racists" over their statements about a Zionist government. Berkowitz, angered by the accusation, shot back in front of the crew: "Calm down, you're not in the village here."
Following the remark, a visibly upset Aharish left the studio in tears. Word of the incident reached Asaf Rappaport, one of the owners of Reshet 13, who was on the premises and came to assess the situation.
According to sources familiar with the details, Aharish broke down in front of Rappaport and told him: "Look how they treat me in my own home." He embraced the anchor, made clear that such remarks are entirely unacceptable to him, and said that if she felt unable to return to the broadcast in the studio, he fully backed her decision.
Channel CEO Idan Elrom was also called to the scene and told Aharish he would demand an apology from Berkowitz for his comment.
In a statement to Ynet, the network's ownership said there is no place for such language, and the commentator was asked to apologize for his words immediately.
