The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) has taken the unusual step of criticizing the far-right Channel 14 television network for airing a clip yesterday that ridiculed IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Herzi Halevi.
In a letter addressed to the network, IDF Spokesman Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari stated, “I am reaching out regarding the video that aired last night on Channel 14, which contained inflammatory and defamatory material detrimental to the IDF. It is unacceptable for a media outlet in the State of Israel to provide a platform for such incendiary content against the IDF during a time of war.”
Hagari emphasized that while the military welcomes criticism and promotes open and vigorous public discourse regarding the IDF in the context of the ongoing conflict, “the content broadcast yesterday on Channel 14 has crossed a line. This constitutes intentional incitement and degradation of the IDF and its leadership during wartime. Regrettably, this is not the first instance of Channel 14 engaging in such behavior towards the IDF.”
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) has indicated that it anticipates the network will remove the content in question.
Additionally, the correspondence was directed to the Second Authority for Television and Radio, which serves as a significant regulatory and licensing entity for commercial broadcasting in Israel, as well as to the defense minister and the communications minister.
The video broadcast by the network last night ridiculed an incident where Halevi removed a Velcro patch from a soldier’s arm that was not authorized for military use. The IDF chief placed the patch in the soldier’s pocket and reportedly remarked, “If you wish, you may keep it close to your heart, but only military items are permitted on the uniform.”
