TV Host Yinon Magal Apologizes for Remarks About Hostage Families
Translated & summarized from Ice by baba
Israeli TV host and radio broadcaster Yinon Magal apologized for remarks he made about hostage families and others involved in a protest book. Magal, a supporter of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, had called contributors to the book "despicable" and suggested the Bibas family should apologize to Netanyahu. He later clarified that he did not intend to criticize the hostage families, admitting it was a mistake not to make that distinction earlier. The controversy arose ahead of the anniversary of the October 7th attacks.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- TV host Yinon Magal apologized for controversial remarks made about hostage families and others.
- Magal had called contributors to a protest book "despicable" and suggested the Bibas family should apologize to Netanyahu.
- He admitted it was a mistake not to clarify he was not targeting hostage families during his broadcast.
- The comments were made on his radio show on 103FM.
- Magal is a known supporter of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
- Ofri Bibas, sister of hostage survivor Yarden Bibas, responded to Magal's statements.
Yinon Magal, a host on Channel 14's "The Patriots" and a broadcaster for 103FM radio, has apologized for controversial remarks he made about hostage families and other groups during a radio broadcast. Magal, a vocal supporter of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, had attacked survivors of captivity, relatives of hostages, bereaved families, and journalists.
During his program, Magal referenced the book "Mr. Abandoned" and its contributors, which was written in protest against the Prime Minister following the October 7th failures. He specifically targeted the Bibas family, stating, "The Bibas family also, Bibi did not abandon their return." When asked if the Bibas family should apologize to Netanyahu, Magal responded, "Yes. If she fabricates a false accusation. They have no right to fabricate a false accusation." He also described individuals involved in the book as "despicable."
Magal's comments sparked widespread public debate and drew reactions from politicians and journalists. On Wednesday, a day before the anniversary of the October 7th massacre, Magal addressed the controversy. "I must say that I exempted the hostage families yesterday. I do not think one should speak like that about hostage families," he stated, admitting it was a mistake not to clarify this earlier. He acknowledged that the families are suffering greatly and have endured a terrible tragedy, adding, "I completely accept this."
Ofri Bibas, sister of hostage survivor Yarden Bibas, responded to Magal's remarks. Yarden Bibas lost his wife Shiri and two sons, Ariel and Kfir, on Black Saturday. After 484 days in captivity, he was released in a hostage deal. The fate of the rest of his family was unknown until February 19, 2025, when a list of those designated for return as part of an agreement confirmed their deaths.
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