Rightists want journalist removed from IDF fundraiser

In a letter sent to Army Radio commander Yitzhak Tunik, MK Matalon wrote, "I was astonished to discover that on the day honoring IDF soldiers, one of the broadcasts will be hosted by Mr. Gal Uchovsky, who has openly spoken out against IDF soldiers and its commanders.

"It is unthinkable that as commander of Army Radio you would ignore Uchovsky's positions on the IDF and give him a platform on this important day…I ask that he be removed from the Sherutrom's broadcasting program."

Amit Barak, deputy director general of the Im Tirtzu movement, which seeks to "strengthen the values of Zionism in Israel", sent a similar protest letter to the IDF Spokesperson's Office.

"Uchovsky joined slanderers of the IDF when he signed a petition calling for an investigation of the IDF by an independent body," Barak said, referring to the publication of soldiers' testimonies from Operation Cast Lead by the Breaking the Silence organization.

Barak further noted that the journalist expressed support for Mohammad Bakri's film "Jenin, Jenin" – an allegation previously denied by Uchovsky.

Rating interests

He also claimed that Uchovsky was hired to bolster ratings, an act which he said was "contrary to IDF values" and would serve as "reinforcement of slanders and patterns of incitement against IDF soldiers."

He concluded by urging the IDF Spokesperson's Office to cancel the journalist's participation in the Sherutrom.

Yitzhak Tunik told Ynet in response, "We at Army Radio are very careful of labeling people. As far as we know Uchovsky has never spoken out against IDF soldiers or army service. In any case, we shall review the matter and reply to the letters."

Gal Uchovsky said in response, "I am proud to take part in the Sherutrom, it's just a shame that extreme rightist elements, who currently try to destroy the IDF, take advantage of a positive and beautiful event, whose whole purpose is to benefit our soldiers, in order to incite."

Eran Bar-On contributed to this report