Broadcaster Yinon Magal Apologizes for Remarks About Hostage Families
Translated & summarized from Walla by baba
Broadcaster Yinon Magal apologized on Wednesday for calling participants in a book, including relatives of hostages and bereaved families, "despicable people." He clarified on his 103FM radio show with Ben Caspit that he meant to exclude hostage families from his criticism. Magal admitted his remarks were a mistake and that he should have clarified his intent earlier. The apology followed backlash for his comments, which included naming Ofri Bibas-Levi, aunt of slain hostages Ariel and Kfir, and suggesting the Bibas family should apologize to Prime Minister Netanyahu.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Broadcaster Yinon Magal apologized on air for calling participants in a book "despicable people."
- Magal clarified he intended to exclude hostage families from his harsh criticism.
- He admitted on his 103FM radio show with Ben Caspit that his remarks were a mistake.
- His comments had included Ofri Bibas-Levi, aunt of slain hostages Ariel and Kfir.
- Magal had previously suggested the Bibas family should apologize to Prime Minister Netanyahu.
Israeli broadcaster Yinon Magal apologized on Wednesday during his radio show on 103FM for comments he made the previous day about families of hostages, released captives, and bereaved families. Magal stated that he intended to exclude the families of hostages from his remarks and admitted he should have clarified this earlier. "I excluded the families of the hostages," Magal said. "I don't think one should speak like that about the families of the hostages. I should have clarified things earlier, I should have done it from the start, and it was a mistake, and I completely accept that." He added, "I had no intention of hurting the families."
The apology came after Magal's remarks on Tuesday, which caused a public outcry. During his program, he read out the names of individuals who participated in the book "Mr. Abandonment," including relatives of hostages and bereaved families, and described them as "despicable people" and "the most vile people living in the State of Israel." He also claimed that the way they could "atone" for their participation was by voting for Prime Minister Netanyahu in elections. Among the names he read was Ofri Bibas-Levi, the sister of Yarden Bibas and aunt of Ariel and Kfir, who were killed. Magal also told Ben Caspit that the Bibas family should apologize to Netanyahu if "the accusation against him is false." Later, he backtracked, saying he "excludes the families of October 7th."
Ofri Bibas-Levi responded to Magal's comments on Tuesday, stating, "The only ones I will ask for forgiveness from until the day I die are Shiri, Ariel, and Kfir."
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