Tibi threatens Channel 13 reporters with NIS 150,000 lawsuit for questioning medical credentials

MK Dr. Ahmad Tibi (Joint List) is threatening to sue Eyal Berkovic and Moria Asraf, hosts of the Channel 13 program "Moria and Berko," for defamation and is demanding NIS 150,000 in compensation over remarks made on air questioning his medical degree.

In a warning letter sent Sunday by his attorney, Gilad Barnea, ahead of possible legal proceedings, Tibi accused the two hosts of making "offensive, humiliating, and racist" remarks about him. Tibi said he would donate any compensation he receives to scholarships for students in need.

The incident occurred during Saturday's broadcast, when the hosts were speaking with reporter Suleiman Maswadeh about American politician Dr. Abdul El-Sayed.

When Maswadeh introduced El-Sayed as a doctor, Berkovic interrupted and asked, "They give everyone there the title of doctor. Did you check whether he's actually a doctor?"

Asraf then said, laughing, "He's not just another 'dostri,' he's a doctor."

Hosts question Tibi's degree

The conversation quickly shifted to Tibi.

"They also say Ahmad Tibi is a doctor," Berkovic said.

"Of course," Asraf replied, laughing.

Berkovic continued, "Oh, they say he is. Let him bring his diploma."

Maswadeh attempted to correct the hosts, saying, "But he is also a doctor," before emphasizing, "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 unconvinced, saying, "Everyone's a doctor."

He then turned to Asraf and said, "Moria is also a doctor. Doctor, what are you a doctor of?"

Asraf replied with a laugh, "My father would have prayed for me to finish my bachelor's degree."

Tibi, a trained physician with a medical degree, considered the exchange a deliberate attack on his reputation.

Through his attorney, he argues the remarks constitute defamation under Israeli law and could humiliate him in public, expose him to ridicule, and damage his professional standing and reputation.

Tibi demands public retraction, apology

In the letter, Tibi demands that Berkovic, Asraf, and the companies responsible for the broadcast issue an explicit and detailed retraction and apology during the next episode of the program. He demands that the apology receive the same prominence and exposure as the original remarks.

He is also demanding that the segment be removed from all online platforms, archives, and social media accounts under their control.

The letter gives the recipients seven days from its receipt to comply with the demands. If they fail to do so, Barnea warns that Tibi will pursue legal action, including filing a claim for monetary compensation under Israel's Defamation Law, which allows damages to be sought without proof of actual harm.

No lawsuit has been filed at this stage, and the matter remains a formal warning ahead of potential legal proceedings.

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