TV Host's 'Monkey' Remark About Candidate Sparks Outrage

A controversial statement made by Yinon Magal, a host on Channel 14's program "HaPatriotim," has ignited a political firestorm. During a broadcast on Saturday, Magal referred to the candidate for prime minister, a candidate for prime minister, as a "monkey" and alleged that "elitist Ashkenazim" were controlling him. Magal further commented on the candidate for prime minister's Moroccan heritage, stating, "His name is Mizrahi Moroccan, your prime minister's name is Moroccan. It's like we don't see reality."

The remarks immediately drew widespread condemnation. The candidate for prime minister himself responded, calling Magal's statement "sub-standard" and criticizing the person Magal allegedly represents. "The problem is not Yinon Magal, but the person standing behind him," the candidate for prime minister stated. "We will bring change to the country, and we will remove the phenomenon of 'Magalism' and 'Bardugism' from our lives to bring a better country."

The "Yashar!" party issued a strong denunciation, comparing Magal's comments to past offensive remarks. They noted that "45 years after Dudu Topaz called Mizrahim 'chachachim', a senior pundit who profits from spreading lies calls a candidate for prime minister, a chief of staff who served the country for 45 years, a monkey, and this is only because he is Mizrahi. The fear of losing reveals your ugly truth and your contempt for an entire public."

Former Shin Bet head Yoram Cohen also weighed in on Sunday, calling Magal "a racist and base person whose goal was to humiliate." Magal, however, later clarified his remarks, asserting that his use of the word "monkey" was not related to the candidate for prime minister's appearance. He explained it as an expression, possibly from the underworld, for someone placed at the forefront while others operate behind the scenes. Magal suggested the controversy was an artificial storm being manufactured ahead of the elections, aimed at discrediting him.