A survivor’s criticism sparks a fierce online duel exposing deep tensions over Israel’s wartime reporting.
A heated confrontation ignited on X (formerly Twitter) after activist Elizabeth Tsurkov publicly attacked Channel 12’s reporting on an IDF strike in southern Gaza. The report stated that the Air Force eliminated two suspicious individuals who crossed a restricted zone, acted in a threatening manner, and approached Israeli forces. Arab sources—often known for spreading distorted or fabricated narratives to shield Hamas—claimed the two were children aged 10 and 12.
Tsurkov, who survived months of brutal captivity by the Iran-backed Kta’ib Hezbollah terror organization in Iraq, reposted the translated headline and insinuated that Israel’s leading news channel sanitized the event. She wrote: “How Israeli Ch 12 reported on the killing of 10 and 12-year-old boys… Ch 12 represents the mainstream.”
Her comment sparked strong backlash from political commentator Amit Segal, who slammed her for repeatedly echoing anti-Israel talking points: “What an extraordinary country Israel is, that it works to rescue even its greatest slanderers… Even scum like Tsurkov don’t deserve to rot in terrorist captivity.”
Tsurkov shot back, suggesting that criticism of Channel 12’s wording was legitimate journalism and insisting that Israel’s efforts on her behalf prove her loyalty: “The State of Israel indeed worked for my release, and I thank them.”
Segal countered with escalating intensity, accusing her of years of obsessive, ideological hostility: “You hate our country… Instead of introspection over the cost your reckless adventures imposed on us, you continue spitting at the state with a few English tweets.”
Tsurkov claimed she does not hate Israel, only its policies, adding: “If you want to live where criticism is forbidden, move to Gaza.”
Segal delivered a final rebuttal: “You’re in a years-long ‘Tourette’s episode’ of slandering the country with enemy propaganda—belittling October 7, magnifying IDF actions. I won’t go to Gaza because I take responsibility for my choices. You, however, are welcome to.”
The exchange highlights the ongoing struggle inside Israel against activists who amplify unverifiable Arab claims and undercut the IDF narrative—especially during wartime, when misinformation is a primary strategic weapon used by Hamas and its regional backers.
