Channel 13 Faces Hefty Fine After Panelist Threatens to Murder Someone

Channel 13 is in hot water after panelist Miki Rosenthal’s shocking comment during a broadcast about six weeks ago, sparking outrage and prompting the Second Authority for Television and Radio to launch a violation procedure. The authority’s move could slap the network with a fine reaching tens of thousands of shekels, according to *Walla*.

The controversy erupted when host Baruch Kra introduced an ad for the “Child’s Smile” organization, which provides free tefillin to children, including those from bereaved families. Rosenthal, in a moment that stunned viewers, declared, “I would strangle him with tefillin,” gesturing the act with his hands. He doubled down, repeating twice more, “Strangle him with tefillin, that guy, strangle him.” The bizarre and offensive remark, aimed at an unnamed individual, was deemed beyond the pale, and Israelis all over the country were both horrified and disgusted.

The Second Authority, tasked with regulating Israel’s media, slammed the statement, labeling it “outrageous and bizarre” and initiating a formal investigation. The potential fine reflects the severity of the breach, especially given the sensitive context of tefillin, a sacred Jewish ritual item, and the charity’s mission to support grieving families.