Joint List MK Ahmad Tibi threatens Channel 13 hosts with defamation suit over on-air remarks about his medical degree

MK Dr. Ahmad Tibi of the Joint List is threatening legal action against Channel 13 hosts Eyal Berkovic and Moria Asraf, accusing them of defaming him on air by casting doubt on his medical degree. He is seeking NIS 150,000 in compensation.

A warning letter sent on Sunday by Tibi's attorney, Gilad Barnea, ahead of possible proceedings described the remarks by the hosts of the program "Moria and Berko" as "offensive, humiliating, and racist." Tibi said that any compensation he receives would be donated to scholarships for students in need.

The exchange took place during Saturday's broadcast, while the hosts were speaking with reporter Suleiman Maswadeh about American politician Dr. Abdul El-Sayed. When Maswadeh introduced El-Sayed as a doctor, Berkovic cut in, asking, "They give everyone there the title of doctor. Did you check whether he's actually a doctor?" Asraf added, laughing, "He's not just another 'dostri,' he's a doctor."

The conversation then turned to Tibi. "They also say Ahmad Tibi is a doctor," Berkovic said, to which Asraf replied, "Of course," while laughing. Berkovic went on: "Oh, they say he is. Let him bring his diploma."

Maswadeh tried to push back, telling the hosts, "But he is also a doctor," and stressing, "Tibi is also a doctor. I, okay, you've taken this discussion in a completely different direction. Tibi is also a doctor, and he was a doctor." Berkovic remained dismissive, answering, "Everyone's a doctor," before joking that Asraf was also a doctor. She replied with a laugh, "My father would have prayed for me to finish my bachelor's degree."

Tibi, a trained physician who holds a medical degree, viewed the segment as a deliberate attack on his reputation. His attorney argues the comments amount to defamation under Israeli law, could publicly humiliate him, subject him to ridicule, and harm his professional standing.

In the letter, Tibi demands that Berkovic, Asraf, and the companies behind the broadcast issue an explicit and detailed retraction and apology on the program's next episode, with the same prominence and exposure as the original remarks. He also wants the segment taken down from all online platforms, archives, and social media accounts under their control.

The recipients have seven days from receiving the letter to comply. Otherwise, Barnea warned, Tibi will take legal action, including a claim for monetary compensation under Israel's Defamation Law, which permits damages without proof of actual harm. No lawsuit has been filed so far, and the step remains a formal warning ahead of potential proceedings.

Channel 13 News told Walla, "There is no substance to the claims," adding, "Anyone who watched the broadcast could understand that there is no doubt Tibi is a doctor, including the fact that Moria said so herself."