Egyptian TV channel sparks controversy with interview of Israeli journalist

Israeli journalist and Haaretz columnist Gideon Levy was interviewed recently by Egyptian channel Al-Qahera Wal Nas, prompting sharp criticism in Egypt of both the channel and of the interviewer, Ehab Qassem.

As a rule, the Egyptian media boycotts Israeli journalists and does not interview them.

Following the interview, the Egyptian Journalists Syndicate announced that it has barred Qassem from appearing in any media outlets pending an investigation, saying he had violated “the code of professional ethics.”

In addition, the channel pulled the interview from its platforms after it garnered widespread criticism, saying it “respects all opinions and comments it receives from the public.”

During the interview, Levy referred to the Sinai Peninsula and said that Israelis do not view the territory as belonging to Egypt, a remark that also drew criticism online.

Qassem later addressed the controversy in an interview with another Egyptian channel, Al-Qahera 24, saying that Gideon Levy had described Israel as “an extremist terrorist state,” and said that he supports the Palestinian cause. He noted that Levy is a journalist who is interviewed on platforms around the world.

بعد مداخلة صحفي إسرائيلي.. الإعلاميين تمنع ظهور إيهاب قاسم مذيع القاهرة والناس علي أي وسيلة إعلامية وإحالته للتحقيق#هنا_مصر pic.twitter.com/WZtUf7VV2d

— Huna Masr هنا مصر (@hnamasr) July 18, 2026