Ex-MK Hazan Slams Channel 14 Host Magal as Racist
Translated & summarized from Srugim by baba
Former Knesset member Oren Hazan fiercely criticized Channel 14 presenter Yinon Magal, calling him a "despicable and pathetic elitist racist" for remarks made about Gadi Eisenkot. Hazan warned that Magal's on-air "disgusting racism" could harm their political camp in upcoming elections. Magal defended his use of the term "monkey" as underworld slang for a puppet, not a literal animal comparison. The incident has drawn mixed reactions, with some journalists agreeing with Hazan and others defending Magal's explanation.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Former MK Oren Hazan called Channel 14's Yinon Magal a "despicable and pathetic elitist racist" for comments about Gadi Eisenkot.
- Hazan warned Magal's on-air "disgusting racism" could hurt their political camp in future elections.
- Magal used the term "monkey" to describe Eisenkot, claiming it's underworld slang for a controlled figure.
- Journalist Nadav Eyal agreed the remark was racist, especially considering Eisenkot's Mizrahi heritage.
- Other journalists, including Avi Shoshan and Yosef Israel, defended Magal's explanation of the term.
Former Knesset member Oren Hazan has launched a scathing attack on Channel 14 presenter Yinon Magal, accusing him of racism following controversial remarks made about Gadi Eisenkot. Hazan stated that Magal is a "despicable and pathetic elitist racist" and warned that such behavior could harm the political camp Magal belongs to ahead of elections.
Hazan criticized Magal not only for the content of his statement but also for making it on air, suggesting it stemmed from arrogance that could cost votes. "The fact that he allows himself to spew his disgusting racism on air indicates complete insignificance born of arrogance that will cost us in the elections," Hazan wrote.
The controversy erupted after Magal called Eisenkot a "monkey" during a political discussion about Mizrahi representation and inter-group relations in politics. Magal has since defended his comment, explaining that he did not intend a literal comparison but used a slang term from the underworld to describe someone controlled by others behind the scenes.
Hazan's condemnation joins that of journalist Nadav Eyal, who also deemed the remark racist, particularly given its context alongside references to Eisenkot's Mizrahi and Moroccan heritage. However, journalist Avi Shoshan, who was present during the discussion, defended Magal, stating the participants understood the term as figurative. Former Channel 13 reporter Yosef Israel expressed a similar view.
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