Businesswoman Galya Albin Sparks Outrage With Comments Linking Netanyahu Voters to Mizrahi Heritage

Businesswoman and public figure Galya Albin has ignited a political and media firestorm in Israel following controversial remarks made during an interview on the "Hakol Patuach" podcast. Albin sharply criticized supporters of the Likud party, directly and bluntly associating voting for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu with Mizrahi (Eastern) heritage.

Albin recounted encounters with women in Sderot and Dimona who, despite suffering greatly from the October 7th attacks, stated they would continue to vote for Netanyahu. Expressing deep astonishment, Albin declared, "The only Mizrahim are the 'Bibiists'" and attacked these voters, asserting, "There is no connection between your hand putting a ballot in and your brain."

When asked about ethnic labels, Albin controversially stated, "The only one who isn't a 'Bibiist' among all the 'Bibiists' is Bibi himself." She described Netanyahu as an Ashkenazi (Western heritage) and privileged individual who is indifferent to his supporters, calling him "snobbish, racist, really not a 'Bibiist' at all."

Albin, who stated she would vote for Naftali Bennett and suggested a government including Yair Lapid and Gadi Eisenkot, drew a swift and strong public response from Prime Minister Netanyahu. He posted on social media, calling the "condescension and humiliation of millions of Israelis who vote for the right in Israel nothing less than disgusting" and urged the public to respond to this racism at the ballot box.

The controversy highlights the resurfacing ethnic and political rifts in Israel. Albin, who has a background in business and media and previously ran for political office, has not apologized for her sharp remarks. The incident underscores the sensitivity of public discourse in Israel regarding ethnicity and voting patterns, potentially shaping campaign strategies for future elections.