Minister Chikli responds to publications: "This is not journalism, it is incitement"

Minister Chikli responds to publications: "This is not journalism, it is incitement"

Minister Amichai Chikli spoke out last night (June 20, 2026) against media reports regarding the absence of government representatives from the funeral of Lt. Col. Dor Ben Samhon (R.I.P.). In a post he published on Telegram, Yinon Magal (known for his line supporting the government and Netanyahu) presented the Minister's words, clarifying that he and Minister Ofir Sofer offered to attend as government representatives at the funeral, but the family requested that there be no government representation – a request they honored out of respect.

In addition, according to Yinon Magal, Chikli sought to refute the claim implied in the publications, that the ministers preferred to attend a wedding over the funeral. The minister noted that the tragedy occurred "around 00:30, long after the wedding where the ministers were present."

Following his remarks, the minister leveled sharp criticism at the way Channel 12 covered this issue. He defined the publications not as journalism, but as "actual incitement on the backs of IDF fallen soldiers and bereaved families."

The report was also verified by the Zirat HaHadashot channel, which reported the minister's words and reinforced the claim that this was a government initiative that did not materialize solely due to the family's request, while rejecting any connection between the ministers' schedule and their absence from the funeral.