Israeli Broadcaster Sparks Outrage With Attacks on Bereaved Families

Channel 14 host Yinon Magal launched a scathing attack on dozens of hostage survivors, bereaved parents, and relatives of hostages who participated in a book criticizing Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The remarks, made on his radio show the day before October 7th, were widely condemned as morally reprehensible. Magal described the individuals as "abominable" and "despicable people," suggesting their only chance for atonement was to vote against Netanyahu. He specifically targeted the Bibas family, stating that Netanyahu had not abandoned their return and implying they should apologize to the Prime Minister.

Magal read out the names of numerous individuals who contributed to the book "Mar HaPekara" (roughly translated as "Lord of Abandonment"), which criticizes Netanyahu's handling of the hostage situation. Among those named were hostage survivors Nili Margalit, Adina Moshe, and Clara Marman, as well as parents of fallen soldiers and relatives of hostages, including Ofri Bibas Levy, whose brother Yarden Bibas and nephews Ariel and Kfir were taken hostage, and Tamir Arad's mother. Magal concluded by stating these individuals would be remembered for infamy and called them the "most despicable people living in the State of Israel."

Ofri Bibas Levy responded directly to Magal, stating, "The only ones I will ask for forgiveness from are Shiri, Ariel, and Kfir." Opposition leader Yair Lapid called Magal a "hater of Israel and an internal traitor," while Yair Golan, leader of the Democratic Party, demanded Magal be suspended immediately, labeling his comments a "unfathomable moral low."

Other politicians also denounced Magal's statements. Rafi Ben Shitrit, who lost his son, called Magal a "despicable mouthpiece" of the government. The Yisrael Beiteinu party stated Magal's monologue was another "nightmare show" from Netanyahu's "poison machine," accusing them of turning grief into a political tool. The article notes that Magal's comments were made on October 6, 2026, the day before the October 7th attacks.