Israeli Broadcaster Attacks Hostage Families, Sparks Outrage
Translated & summarized from Arutz Sheva by baba
Channel 14 personality Yinon Magal attacked hostage survivors and bereaved families for their involvement in a book criticizing Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Magal called them "despicable" and suggested they apologize to Netanyahu by voting for him. He later partially retracted his comments, excluding families directly affected by the October 7th attacks. The remarks drew widespread condemnation, including from Rafi Ben Shitrit, a bereaved father and political candidate, who called Magal's comments a "blatant assault" and a "new low."
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Yinon Magal criticized hostage survivors and bereaved families for participating in a book against Prime Minister Netanyahu.
- Magal called the participants "despicable" and suggested voting for Netanyahu as atonement.
- He later partially walked back his comments, excluding families of October 7th victims.
- Ofri Bivas, whose family members are hostages, responded by saying she would only ask forgiveness from her captive relatives.
- Rafi Ben Shitrit condemned Magal's remarks as a "blatant assault" and a "new low."
Channel 14 personality Yinon Magal ignited controversy on Tuesday, the day before the October 7th anniversary, by harshly criticizing survivors of captivity and bereaved families for their participation in the book "Mar Ha'afkara" (The Abandoned Master), which criticizes Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Magal read aloud names from the book, including hostage survivors Nili Margalit, Adina Moshe, and Clara Marman, as well as Einav Tsengauer, mother of hostage survivor Matan; Yonatan Shemrizi, brother of Alon Shemrizi, fallen soldier; Ilana Kaminka, mother of fallen soldier Lt. Yanai; Chagit and Robi the Parent of fallen soldier, parents of fallen soldier Itai; and Ofri Bivas Levy, sister of Yarden Bivas and aunt of hostages Ariel and Kfir.
Magal declared that these individuals "will be remembered for eternal shame on the pillar of disgrace" and called them "the most despicable people living in the State of Israel, who fabricated a blood libel against Benjamin Netanyahu that he is the abandoned master." He further linked their participation in the book to their voting choices, suggesting that the "only thing that can forgive them is if they drop a 'Mahal' ballot for Netanyahu in the polling booth on election day." He urged them to ask for forgiveness and to "drop the 'Mahal' ballot on election day" as their only chance to atone for the "abomination they committed."
During a discussion with Ben Caspit, Magal specifically addressed the Bivas family, stating, "Even the Bivas family, Bibi did not abandon their return." When asked if the family should apologize to Netanyahu, Magal responded, "Yes. They have no right to fabricate a false accusation."
Later in the program, Magal partially retracted his statements, saying, "You know what? For the sake of the argument, I will exclude the families of October 7th." Ofri Bivas responded to Magal's remarks, stating, "The only ones I will ask for forgiveness from until the day I die are Shiri, Ariel, and Kfir."
Rafi Ben Shitrit, who lost his son Alroai and is a candidate for the Yisrael Beiteinu party, also attacked Magal, calling his words a "blatant assault" on those who have lost loved ones. "His blatant assault on people who have lost their dearest is a new low," he said.
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