Israel’s ‘Big Brother’ becomes a hotbed of political debate

Debate about the Israel-Palestine conflict has moved to prime time television in Israel.

The hugely popular Israeli version of the reality show 'Big Brother' has turned into a hotbed of political debate since the 27-year-old Tel Aviv-based artist, Saar Szekely, arrived on the show in January.

In a recent clip, Szekely debated co-stars about the moral position of the Israel army and even Israel itself.

"Israel doesn't want peace," he said. "It wants land."

To watch the video of the show click here.

According to the Guardian, Szekely was a wildcard choice to enter the house, a left-wing voice in what has typically been a house full of 'reactionaries' watched by a more right-leaning audience.

It was predicted that Szekely would not last and that his views would alienate him both from the audience and from the last remaining members of the show.

The contrarian has done neither, befriending a more right-wing contestant and a former Israeli army officer while nearly making it to the final round.

His views have even become a centerpiece of the show.

According to +972, Facebook pages calling for his expulsion, who was called “traitor” and a “terrorist,” started appearing soon after his arrival.

Among the contestants, Szekely was constantly attacked for his views.

The producer of the Israeli Big Brother, Yoram Zak, said, according to Guardian, that he had no regrets including Szekely on the show: "I just really liked his style. When I asked him why he wanted to join the house he said, 'If you're going to broadcast this garbage the least I can do is bring some real content to it.' I liked that."