Israeli Host's 'Moroccan Monkey' Remark Sparks Political Firestorm
Translated & summarized from Kikar HaShabbat by baba
Channel 14 host Yinon Magal ignited a political firestorm by calling Gadi Eisenkot a "Moroccan monkey" on air. The remark drew widespread condemnation, including from within the Likud party, with some warning of electoral damage. Opposition parties and Avigdor Lieberman criticized the government's silence and linked the slur to past controversial statements. Former Netanyahu spokesperson Ziv Agmon also commented, criticizing the media's differing reactions to Magal's comment and his own past experience.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Channel 14 host Yinon Magal called Gadi Eisenkot a "Moroccan monkey" on air, sparking widespread political outrage.
- The controversial remark drew criticism from the opposition and within the Likud party, with one member apologizing to Eisenkot.
- Opposition parties and Avigdor Lieberman condemned the statement and criticized the government's silence.
- Former Netanyahu spokesperson Ziv Agmon criticized the media's perceived double standards in reacting to the slur.
- Some Likud supporters shared an AI-generated video depicting Eisenkot as a monkey in response to the controversy.
A controversial statement made by Channel 14 host Yinon Magal, referring to Gadi Eisenkot as a "Moroccan monkey," has ignited a significant political uproar. The remark, uttered during a discussion on the program "The Patriots," drew sharp criticism not only from the opposition but also from within the Likud party itself. Magal's comments were made in response to journalist Amichai Atali, suggesting that Eisenkot was being manipulated by elite Ashkenazi figures. David Elbaz, a member of the Likud Court, publicly apologized to Eisenkot, who is a former IDF Chief of Staff and a bereaved father, calling Magal's statement "unfortunate" and warning it could cost the Likud votes. Conversely, some Likud supporters, like activist Rami Ben Yehuda, shared an AI-generated video depicting Eisenkot as a monkey.
The opposition quickly condemned Magal and criticized the coalition's silence. The Yisrael Beiteinu party accused Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's circle of fostering a "culture of poison and lies." Party members responded with a video of themselves saying, "I am a proud monkey." MK Avigdor Lieberman also joined the criticism, linking Magal's remarks to past statements by Netanyahu's associates and labeling Magal as Netanyahu's "chief mouthpiece." Lieberman drew a parallel between Magal's comment and a past remark by former Netanyahu spokesperson Ziv Agmon, who had allegedly called Moroccans "baboons."
Ziv Agmon himself weighed in on the controversy, criticizing the perceived leniency towards Magal's statement compared to the backlash he faced over leaked private communications. Agmon highlighted what he described as hypocrisy in the media's reaction, contrasting the forgiveness offered for Magal's slur with the intense scrutiny he endured. He stated that he had apologized and reflected after his own experience, implying that those making such remarks should do the same, and that influence should not replace integrity and truth.
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