National Security Minister Defends Channel 14 Host Yinon Magal

National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir publicly defended Channel 14 presenter Yinon Magal on Tuesday, following controversial remarks made by Magal during the "HaPatriotim" program the previous evening. Magal had reportedly used the term "monkey" in a political context, which critics interpreted as a racist slur against Mizrahi Jews, particularly when directed at Gadi Eisenkot, a candidate for prime minister.

Ben-Gvir stated that he knows Magal well and finds the accusations of racism "ridiculous." He asserted that Magal's use of the word "monkey" was intended to refer to a straw candidate, not a racial group. Ben-Gvir, who identifies as a proud Mizrahi Jew, said he is the last person to suspect Magal of racism against him or other Mizrahim.

The minister drew a parallel between the criticism leveled at Magal and that directed at Prime Minister Bibi, claiming it's a similar attempt to falsely label the premier. Ben-Gvir recounted his own experience in the cabinet, stating Netanyahu never exhibited ethnic prejudice.

Eisenkot, however, strongly condemned Magal's remarks, calling them "sub-human" and stating, "The problem is not Yinon Magal but the man standing behind him." He vowed to bring about change in the country and eliminate "Magalism and Bardugism" for a better nation. The "Yashar!" party, led by Eisenkot, compared Magal's comment to historical racist remarks, noting it occurred 45 years after comedian Dudu Topaz called Mizrahim "chachchachim" (a derogatory term).

These comments come just ten days before elections and follow a pattern of controversial statements by Magal, including a recent incident where he attacked participants in a protest book, some of whom were families of hostages and bereaved individuals. Unlike that previous instance, Magal has not apologized for his latest remarks and has received explicit political backing from Ben-Gvir.