Commentators Clash Over Call for Apology to Netanyahu

A heated on-air debate erupted between commentators Yinon Magal and Ben Caspit, centered on Magal's demand that several individuals apologize to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Magal read out names of people he claimed participated in the book "Mr. Abandonment" (מר הפקרה) and insisted they should seek forgiveness from the Prime Minister. Among those named were Tami Arad, Tamir Pardo, Nimrod Sheffer, Moshe Ya'alon, and Ofri Bibas-Levi.

Magal described the individuals as "abhorrent" and stated that the only way they could be forgiven for their "abomination" in participating in the book was to vote for Netanyahu in the upcoming elections. Ofri Bibas-Levi, sister of Yarden Bibas and sister-in-law of Shiri Bibas, has been a prominent figure in the public and international campaign for the release of her family members, who were abducted from Kibbutz Nir Oz on October 7.

Caspit strongly criticized Magal's remarks, labeling them "the essence of Bibi-ism." He argued that it was absurd for Tami Arad, whose husband has not yet been returned, to apologize to Netanyahu. Magal agreed with this point. Caspit further elaborated that this represented a "low and distorted" form of "Bibi-ism," where Netanyahu is portrayed as the victim, and Magal is promoting this narrative. Caspit suggested that those named in Magal's list should be honored with a "torch-lighting ceremony" and expressed personal offense at not being included.

Magal dismissed Caspit's claims as untrue and attributed the sentiment to "your culture." Caspit then directly addressed Netanyahu, calling him "Mr. Abandonment" and daring him to sue, also referencing a threat of a lawsuit against journalist Shlomi Eldar.