Yinon Magal Slams Channel 13 Journalists for Forgiving MK Sami Abou Shehadeh

MK Sami Abou Shehadeh, chairman of the Balad party, is at the center of a controversy following a Central Elections Committee discussion on disqualification requests against candidates. The committee debated a request to disqualify Abou Shehadeh after he described the October 7th events as an "important historical event." While committee chairman Judge Noam Sohlberg voted for disqualification, the Attorney General's office advised "serious consideration" of the request. The Supreme Court will ultimately decide.

Following the uproar, Abou Shehadeh appeared on Channel 13's "Zohar Bchira" program and expressed regret for his published remarks. Panelists on the show, including Raviv Drucker, announced they forgave him. One panelist stated, "I accept the apology, assuming you truly mean it," to which Abou Shehadeh responded, "Of course I mean it." The panelist continued, "If the desire is to bring about change, why choose this terminology and language? One must be wise, not just righteous."

Another panelist shared, "I accept this apology. I am very happy that your inclination is to encourage voting regardless. I will just say that this article, when I read it, truly broke my heart." Journalist Amnon Levy also forgave Abou Shehadeh, stating he was against his disqualification, emphasizing that a Knesset member has never been disqualified for a single statement and that a "critical mass" of remarks is usually required.

Noga Nir Naaman addressed Abou Shehadeh, saying, "Precisely because of all your activity and your record, the disappointment in you is so great for so many people. This is simply a disappointment to read these things. It breaks the heart." Gil Tamari added, "Sami, I know your activity for at least 20 years. Still, these things, when you read them, turn your stomach, but I accept your apology. I understand what you are saying, I do not agree with what you are saying. I hope they do not disqualify you."

Yinon Magal, host of "HaPatriotim" on Channel 14, reacted to the Channel 13 segment where journalists forgave Abou Shehadeh. In a post on his X account, Magal attacked the Channel 13 journalists, calling them "What an embarrassing group. 'It broke their hearts' that he was excited about a massacre of Jews. Heartless stupidity."