Lapid calls for shutting down Channel 14: "A propaganda channel for the prime minister"

Opposition leader Yair Lapid launched a sharp attack against Channel 14, calling for its closure and labeling it "a propaganda channel for the prime minister." In an interview with 103FM, Lapid criticized the channel's owners, addressed the QatarGate affair, ruled out a future coalition with Netanyahu, and responded to Bennett's remarks.

Opposition leader Yair Lapid launched a sharp attack against Channel 14 and called for its closure. In an interview with 103FM, Lapid said: "What worries me about the media is that I go to places and still see Channel 14 open." He harshly criticized the channel's owners: "What worries me is that a criminal oligarch and his draft-dodging son bought a propaganda channel for the prime minister, and we all treat it as if it's a sane situation." According to him, "What poisons Israeli society? What is open on its screen." Later in the interview, Lapid also attacked the prime minister's advisor, Yonatan Urich, over the QatarGate affair. "In what world does someone receive money from a state that supports terrorism during wartime, and then when he is released from detention, the prime minister rushes to embrace him in front of the cameras?" he said. Lapid ruled out sitting in a government with Benjamin Netanyahu, even as finance minister, and said: "Whoever was prime minister on October 7, and something worse—whoever continues to be prime minister, there will be more October 7s, more disasters, and more Play Dubai." He responded to Naftali Bennett's statement that Netanyahu was one of the best finance ministers: "Drink some water, we won't sit with him—don't confuse the mind."