Netanyahu Condemns Magal's Remarks on Eisenkot, Criticizes Discourse Against Likud Voters

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu condemned comments made by Yinon Magal against Gadi Eisenkot, the leader of the National Unity party, but used the opportunity to criticize the discourse targeting Likud voters. "This is a very inappropriate statement, I condemn it," Netanyahu stated, adding that he would have liked to see Eisenkot also condemn statements by Gali Albin and others who referred to Likud voters as "chimpanzees and baboons."

Netanyahu asserted that this is a widespread phenomenon, not an isolated incident. "I hear every day the condescension, the patronizing attitude, and the contempt shown to Likud voters, calling them monkeys, baboons, and chimpanzees. I wish this were a one-time occurrence; it is daily and almost entirely directed at Likud voters," he said.

The controversy erupted following Magal's remarks on the program 'HaPatriotim,' where he referred to Eisenkot as a "monkey" allegedly controlled by Ashkenazi and elitist elements. During the discussion, Magal told journalist Amihai Attali that the placement of a candidate of Moroccan descent at the forefront does not necessarily indicate his independence.

Eisenkot responded at the 'Otetz Conference,' blaming Netanyahu for the discourse. "What is disturbing is not this despicable person Yinon Magal, I expect nothing from him. The voice is the voice of Yinon, but the hands are the hands of Netanyahu. This is a culture of lies, division, and fear," Eisenkot stated. He added that his parents immigrated from Morocco at the beginning of the state, he was born in Tiberias, grew up in Eilat, and later became chief of staff. "No one asked me about my origin, and this is a message to every boy and girl in Israel," he said.

Yoram Cohen, number two on the National Unity list and former Shin Bet chief, also attacked Magal's comments. Cohen wrote that it is a racist perception that portrays a person of Mizrahi descent as a puppet controlled by others, defining the remarks as "ethnic condescension of the ugliest and most despicable kind." Cohen further criticized the silence of senior Likud and Shas officials, arguing that a ruling party cannot ignore a statement that seeks to humiliate a person based on their origin. He stated, "Mizrahi identity is heritage and culture. It is not a tool for incitement and disgrace."