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BBC apologises to Israeli embassy after asking for anti-Netanyahu speaker

Corporation admits 'serious mistake' in request for speaker on news programme

March 20, 2025 14:06
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The rally outside the BBC's London headquarters was organised by the Campaign Against Antisemitism (Photo: CAA)
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The BBC has issued an “unreserved apology” to the Israeli embassy after a producer requested a guest who would be critical of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

The corporation admitted the request was a “serious mistake” that “clearly falls well below our standards.”

Israel’s ambassador to the UK Tzipi Hotovely welcomed the apology, but added, “It is imperative that such an oversight of blatantly biased reporting is not repeated in the future.” 

The controversy arose when a BBC World Service producer contacted the Israeli embassy in London on Thursday morning, seeking a guest for the Newshour programme who would be “critical of Netanyahu.”