Israeli Broadcaster Apologizes to Hostage Families, Sparks Outrage
Translated & summarized from Arutz Sheva by baba
Israeli media personality Yinon Magal met with two relatives of Shiri Bibas to apologize for calling former hostages and their families "despicable." While the relatives accepted his apology, Ofri Bibas, sister of Yarden Bibas, stated the meeting was without her knowledge and rejected Magal's claim that his words were taken out of context. The controversy stems from Magal's on-air remarks criticizing individuals associated with a book that included criticism of Prime Minister Netanyahu's hostage policies.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Media personality Yinon Magal apologized to two relatives of Shiri Bibas for controversial remarks.
- Ofri Bibas, sister of Yarden Bibas, stated the apology meeting was held without her knowledge.
- Ofri Bibas rejected Magal's claim that his statements about hostages were taken out of context.
- Magal had previously called former hostages and their families "despicable people" on air.
- The Second Authority for Television and Radio opened proceedings against the radio station for Magal's remarks.
Media personality Yinon Magal met with two relatives of Shiri Bibas and apologized for his recent controversial remarks about hostages and bereaved families. The two relatives, Jimmy Miller and his father Maurizio, who are cousins of Shiri Bibas, accepted Magal's apology. Magal also conveyed his apologies to Yarden and Ofri Bibas, and other family members, stating he had no intention to cause harm.
However, Ofri Bibas, Yarden Bibas's sister, strongly condemned the meeting, stating it occurred without her knowledge and that the attendees were not authorized to accept an apology on her behalf. She asserted that Magal's statements were not taken out of context and were part of a deliberate campaign of incitement and division aimed at the families, intended to support the current government's stance on the hostage crisis.
The controversy began on Tuesday, the third anniversary of the October 7th massacre, during a radio program hosted by Magal and Ben Caspit. Magal read out the names of former hostages and families of hostages and murder victims, criticizing a book that included articles critical of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's handling of the hostage situation. Magal referred to these individuals as "the most despicable people living in the State of Israel" and stated they would be remembered for eternal disgrace, calling them "abhorrent people."
Magal suggested the only way for them to receive forgiveness was to vote for the Likud party in the upcoming elections. Following these remarks, the Second Authority for Television and Radio initiated proceedings against radio station 103FM, determining that Magal's statements exceeded legitimate criticism and constituted an offensive attack.
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