Israeli journalist Danny Kushmaro slammed for helping soldiers blow up civilian building in Lebanon

A well-known TV presenter for Israel’s Channel 12 has been slammed after footage emerged showing him blowing up a building in Lebanon. Danny Kushmaro was filmed wearing a bulletproof vest and helmet as an Israeli soldier explained how to detonate an explosive device attached to a nearby building. The soldier claims it was used to launch rockets into northern Israel, with the journalist then pressing the button as he watches the building crumble.

The footage showed a countdown and plumes of smoke blanketing the area amid the sound of cheers, as Kushmaro looked to the camera and said: "Don’t mess with the Jews." It was later reported that the building Kushmaro blew up was in the southern Lebanese village of Ayta Ash Shab, which has been pounded by Israel since mid-September. Kushmaro’s actions have since been lambasted widely on social media platforms, particularly as Israel regularly targets journalists in Gaza and Lebanon. Many also called for accountability and pointed out that the footage could be used in international criminal courts for evidence of war crimes. Others, from members of Israeli parliament to journalists, condemned Kushmaro’s actions and highlighted a breach of journalistic ethics.