Netanyahu Condemns Host's 'Moroccan Monkey' Remark About Eisenkot
Translated & summarized from Kikar HaShabbat by baba
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu condemned Channel 14 host Yinon Magal's "Moroccan monkey" remark about Gadi Eisenkot, calling it "very inappropriate." Netanyahu linked his denunciation to demands that rivals condemn offensive language against the right-wing. He expressed worry about winning the upcoming election and forming a government, but vowed not to leave politics if he fails. The controversy arose during Magal's program, sparking backlash even within Likud.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Prime Minister Netanyahu condemned Yinon Magal's "Moroccan monkey" remark about Gadi Eisenkot as inappropriate.
- Netanyahu demanded that political rivals also condemn offensive language directed at the right-wing.
- The Prime Minister expressed significant worry about winning the upcoming election and forming a government.
- Netanyahu vowed not to leave politics even if he fails to form the next government.
- The controversy began on Magal's program "The Patriots" and drew criticism from within Likud.
- Magal claimed Eisenkot was a "monkey" controlled by "elitist Ashkenazim."
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Sunday condemned remarks made by Channel 14 host Yinon Magal, who referred to Gadi Eisenkot, chairman of the "Yashar!" party, as a "monkey." Speaking on Gadi Ness's radio program, Netanyahu called the statement "very inappropriate" but immediately linked his condemnation to a demand that his political rivals also denounce offensive language.
Magal had claimed Eisenkot was controlled by "elitist Ashkenazim." Netanyahu stated, "I would be happy if Gadi Eisenkot would condemn all the statements by Gali Albin and others that Likud members are chimpanzees and baboons. It is not appropriate and it is not appropriate." He argued that offensive discourse is directed daily at the right-wing camp, citing accusations of voters being called "monkeys, baboons, and chimpanzees."
Netanyahu also accused Eisenkot of failing to condemn personal attacks against him, including being called a "traitor." He recalled standing at protests before the assassination of Yitzhak Rabin, clarifying that Rabin was mistaken, not a traitor. "Does Gadi condemn this?" Netanyahu asked, adding, "Gadi Eisenkot not only does not condemn it, he personally uses it against me."
Expressing concern about his chances of forming the next government, Netanyahu admitted, "We need to ensure we win, I am not sure of my victory and I am very worried." He attacked rivals including Eisenkot, Naftali Bennett, and Avigdor Lieberman, warning that a government led by them would depend on the support of Arab parties.
Despite his concerns about potential electoral defeat, Netanyahu firmly stated he would not leave politics if he failed to form a government. The controversy erupted during Magal's program "The Patriots," when he told journalist Amihai Atali that Eisenkot was a "monkey" controlled by "elitist Ashkenazim." The remark sparked anger even within the Likud, with David Elbaz, a member of the Likud court, apologizing to Eisenkot as a Moroccan and Likud member.
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