Israel's Second Authority Launches Probe Against Radio Station Over Host's Remarks

Israel's Second Authority for Television and Radio has initiated an infringement proceeding against radio station 103FM following controversial remarks made by host Yinon Magal. The proceeding stems from comments Magal directed at bereaved families, relatives of hostages, and individuals involved in producing a book critical of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's handling of the hostage crisis. The authority stated that Magal's remarks exceeded legitimate criticism and also addressed his call to vote for the Likud party.

The comments were made on Tuesday, October 6, during a radio program co-hosted by Magal and Ben Caspit, just one day before the third anniversary of the October 7th massacre. Magal read out a list of names of people who participated in the book, which criticizes Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his policies regarding the hostages. Magal described these individuals as "abominable" and suggested the only way they could atone was by voting for the Likud party in elections, calling them "the most despicable people living in the State of Israel."

Among those named were relatives of hostages, including Ofri Bibas-Levi, sister of Yarden Bibas; Einav Tsengauer; Tami Arad; Merav Svirsky; and former hostages Nili Margalit and Adina Moshe. The list also included cultural figures such as actress Orna Banai, comedian Einav Galili, and musician Shanan Street.

The Second Authority clarified that Magal's statements "exceeded legitimate criticism and constituted offensive slander." They emphasized the severity of the remarks given the inclusion of hostage families and bereaved relatives, and the sensitive timing. The proceeding is based on a suspected violation of ethics rules concerning "offensive broadcasts." Additionally, the authority noted that Magal's call to vote for Likud contravened election laws, the Second Authority Law, and directives issued to radio stations in August.

Following public backlash, Magal addressed his remarks the day after the broadcast in a conversation with Elhanan Danino, father of Uri Danino, who was abducted and murdered. Danino requested an apology, to which Magal responded, "I misspoke regarding the hostage families. I should have done that from the start, and it was a mistake, I accept your words." However, Magal did not retract his criticism of Netanyahu, maintaining that accusations of him abandoning the hostages were a "blood libel."

This is not the first time the Second Authority has taken action against 103FM due to Magal's statements. In June 2024, a similar proceeding was opened after Magal compared individuals accusing Israel or Netanyahu of hindering a hostage deal to collaborators with the Nazis during a broadcast on Holocaust Remembrance Day. That previous proceeding addressed both offensive broadcasts and inappropriate timing, following comments made on Memorial Day for the Holocaust and Heroism.