Netanyahu Criticizes Presenter's Remark, Ben-Gvir Defends Him
Translated & summarized from Arutz Sheva by baba
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu condemned Channel 14 presenter Yinon Magal for calling Gadi Eisenkot a "monkey." Netanyahu also called for condemnation of similar remarks against Likud members. However, Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir defended Magal, stating the term was used in a political context and not as an ethnic slur. Ben-Gvir, himself of Mizrahi heritage, asserted that Magal's comments were not racist and that Netanyahu has never acted on ethnic prejudice.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Prime Minister Netanyahu condemned Channel 14 presenter Yinon Magal for calling Gadi Eisenkot a "monkey."
- Netanyahu also urged opponents to condemn similar remarks made against Likud members.
- Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir defended Magal, calling the "monkey" comment a political reference.
- Ben-Gvir rejected accusations that Magal's remark was racist or directed at Eisenkot's heritage.
- Ben-Gvir stated that Netanyahu has never exhibited ethnic prejudice.
- Magal's comment was made during a political discussion on Channel 14.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Sunday criticized Channel 14 presenter Yinon Magal for calling Gadi Eisenkot a "monkey." "This is a very inappropriate statement and I condemn it," Netanyahu said in a radio interview. He simultaneously called on his opponents to condemn similar remarks made against Likud members, citing comments by Galia Albin and others who referred to Likud supporters as "chimpanzees." "I would be happy if Gadi Eisenkot would condemn the statements by Galia Albin and others that Likudniks are 'chimpanzees.' It is not appropriate and it is not appropriate."
In contrast to Netanyahu's condemnation, coalition partner and Minister of Otzma Yehudit, Itamar Ben-Gvir, expressed support for Magal. Ben-Gvir rejected claims that Magal's comment was directed at Eisenkot's Mizrahi (Eastern) heritage, asserting that Magal used the term to describe him as a "straw candidate" manipulated by others. "I have known Yinon Magal for a long time," Ben-Gvir wrote on X, adding that Magal was among the first to give him a media platform. Ben-Gvir argued that Magal's use of "monkey" should be interpreted within the context of a political argument, not as an ethnic slur. "It is clear to everyone that Yinon used the term 'monkey' in a political context, intending to refer to a straw candidate that others are running. From there to turning it into a racist statement against Mizrahim is a complete distortion of the facts."
Ben-Gvir, who identifies as Mizrahi, stated he does not suspect Magal of viewing him or other Mizrahim as "monkeys," comparing it to attempts to attribute such views to the Prime Minister. "I sat with him in the inner cabinet for two and a half years, and never did he make a statement or exhibit behavior based on ethnicity," Ben-Gvir said. He concluded by advising those quick to label Magal and attack Netanyahu to "stop, listen to what was actually said, and look in the mirror. Not every statement is racism. Yinon, don't let the noise silence you."
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