In the tumultuous media landscape of Israel, an upstart television channel is making waves and courting controversy. Channel 14, also known as Now 14, has rapidly ascended to become one of the nation’s most-watched news sources, even surpassing long-established mainstream outlets in key metrics. However, this meteoric rise has been accompanied by a crescendo of criticism, with allegations ranging from inciting war crimes to undermining the very institutions tasked with defending the country.
The ultranationalist channel’s surge in popularity has coincided with the escalation of hostilities in Gaza over the past year. Media analysts argue that Channel 14 has both reflected and amplified the rightward shift in Israeli public opinion, riding the wave of nationalism that often accompanies times of conflict. Its flagship talkshow, “Patriots,” has become a ratings juggernaut, drawing in a record 343,000 viewers last month with its uncompromising stance on the Palestinian enclave.
Incitement Allegations and Army Backlash
However, this success has come at a cost. Liberal watchdog groups have accused Channel 14 of crossing the line from mere partisan rhetoric to actively encouraging violations of international law. In a formal complaint lodged with Israel’s attorney general, a coalition of civil society organizations provided a dossier of 265 quotes from the channel’s hosts and guests, alleging that at least 50 of them “call for or support the commission of genocide.” The explosive claims have thrust the network into the legal spotlight, with the attorney general now facing pressure to launch a criminal probe.
Channel 14’s controversies don’t end there. In a remarkable development, the network has found itself at odds with an unlikely adversary: the Israeli military. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) contend that the channel’s inflammatory coverage is sowing discord and undermining the army’s leadership. In one particularly egregious incident, a doctored image of the IDF chief was broadcast, portraying him as unhinged and hostile to religious soldiers. The army’s spokesperson denounced the segment as a “deliberate incitement and humiliation” of the military and its commanders.
Political Patronage and Regulatory Loopholes
Channel 14’s meteoric ascent has not been a purely organic phenomenon. The network enjoys the enthusiastic backing of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who claims to have “fought like a lion” for its success. This high-level patronage has translated into tangible benefits, with the channel securing millions in state funding and carve-outs from the regulatory burdens shouldered by its competitors.
Critics argue that this preferential treatment has allowed Channel 14 to operate with virtual impunity, evading the oversight and accountability mechanisms that constrain other broadcasters. The channel’s self-classification as a “heritage” outlet and its unique “microchannel” status have shielded it from the full force of Israel’s media regulations. This regulatory vacuum has enabled the network to push the boundaries of acceptable discourse without facing meaningful consequences.
A Symptom and Driver of Polarization
For media watchers, Channel 14’s ascendancy is both a symptom and a catalyst of Israel’s accelerating polarization. Its strident ultranationalist messaging resonates with a growing segment of the Israeli public, disenchanted with the perceived failings of the mainstream press and hungry for an outlet that reflects their hardline views. The channel’s outsized influence on public opinion has raised alarm bells among those who fear it is contributing to a climate of hate and intolerance.
As the legal and ethical controversies swirling around Channel 14 continue to mount, the network shows no signs of tempering its incendiary rhetoric. With the unwavering support of the prime minister and a devoted base of viewers, the channel appears poised to remain a potent force in Israeli media for the foreseeable future. The question that hangs over the nation is whether this emerging media juggernaut will ultimately serve to inform and enlighten, or to inflame and divide.
