Israeli Actress Says She Is No Longer Proud of Israel, Shocked to Learn Remarks Were Broadcast Live

Veteran Israeli actress Chelli Goldenberg, 72, has sparked controversy after criticising Israel during a television interview, only to discover that her remarks had been broadcast live.

"Yes. I'm not proud of who we are as a people. It's a terrible feeling, because I'm from the generation that grew up during that period"

Appearing on Israel's Channel 13 morning programme on 26 October, Goldenberg said she no longer felt proud to be Israeli, blaming the occupation of Palestinian territories, settler violence and growing religious influence for the country's problems.

She also argued that minorities had the right to fight for freedom, prompting the presenters to challenge her remarks in light of the October 7 attacks.

Despite her criticism, Goldenberg maintained that she loved Israel and considered herself a patriot.

The interview took an unexpected turn when Goldenberg asked whether they had been on air.

Upon learning that they were, she appeared shocked, explaining that she had believed they were on a commercial break. She later apologised for the intensity of her remarks, saying she had spoken emotionally without realising the conversation was being broadcast.