But with all due respect to the freedom of the press, the appointment of Lev Ram should be seen mainly in the political prism – as a nail (perhaps the last) in the relationship between Gallant and Netanyahu. Reminder: About a year and a half ago, under the government of change in which Gantz served as defense minister, the person who served then as CEO of 103 and now as CEO of News 13, Or Tselkovnik, was unanimously chosen for the position by a search committee that was established. Contrary to the past and to avoid allegations of political bias, at his request – Gantz was recommended a single candidate.
Some months later, the government fell – and the appointment was frozen. The reason – according to estimates – is Netanyahu’s demand from Gallant to stop the appointment. The one who then pushed for the move was Netanyahu’s close circle, through the station’s broadcaster (then on freeze himself) Yaakov Bardogo.
At the same time, the same Bardogo whispered in his ear that he would appoint Dani Zaken – then a “Globes” man, who might be perceived in the Netanyahu family as “one of our own” – temporarily to the position. In front of Bardogo, it was precisely the man 103 Yanon Magal, who testified in favor of Tselkovnik that he was a worthy appointment that would be decent and balanced. In that round, as mentioned, Bardugo won 1:0.
