Netanyahu Condemns Channel 14 Host's 'Monkey' Remark About Yisrael Beiteinu Leader
Translated & summarized from N12 by baba
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu condemned Channel 14 personality Yinon Magal for calling Yisrael Beiteinu chairman Gadi Eisenkot a "monkey." Netanyahu called the statement inappropriate and added that he would like Eisenkot to condemn similar remarks made about Likud supporters. Eisenkot called Magal "despicable" and accused Netanyahu of hiding Mizrahi members in his party. Avigdor Lieberman, Yisrael Beiteinu chairman, linked Magal's comments to those of Netanyahu's spokesperson, suggesting a pattern of racist language.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu condemned Yinon Magal's "monkey" remark about Gadi Eisenkot.
- Gadi Eisenkot called Yinon Magal "despicable" and accused Netanyahu of hiding Mizrahi members.
- Netanyahu stated that condescending remarks towards Likud voters are a daily occurrence.
- Yisrael Beiteinu candidate Inbar Harush Giti stated that if Eisenkot is a monkey, so are all Mizrahi people.
- Avigdor Lieberman linked Magal's comments to those of Netanyahu's spokesperson, citing racist language.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Sunday condemned remarks made by Channel 14 personality Yinon Magal, who referred to Gadi Eisenkot, chairman of the Yisrael Beiteinu party, as a "monkey." Netanyahu stated, "This is a very inappropriate statement, yes, I condemn it." He added that he would be pleased if Eisenkot also condemned statements made by others, such as Galia Albin, who allegedly referred to Likud supporters as "chimpanzees" and "baboons." Netanyahu asserted that such condescending and contemptuous remarks towards Likud voters are a daily occurrence and are directed at them.
Magal's comment, which included calling Eisenkot a "Moroccan monkey," was made during a conference. Eisenkot responded sharply, calling Magal a "despicable person" and accusing Netanyahu of hiding Mizrahi (Middle Eastern Jewish) individuals within his party. Eisenkot also drew a parallel between Magal's words and Netanyahu's actions, suggesting a connection.
Yisrael Beiteinu condemned Magal's remarks, releasing a video featuring party members. Yoram Cohen, a former Shin Bet chief and the party's number two, expressed pride in his Jewish, Mizrahi, and Israeli identity, stating he is not a racist. Inbar Harush Giti, a party candidate, stated that if Eisenkot is a monkey in Magal's eyes, then all Mizrahi people in Israel are, and that Magal should be ashamed.
Avigdor Lieberman, chairman of Yisrael Beiteinu, also weighed in, calling Magal Netanyahu's "main mouthpiece." Lieberman pointed out that Magal's comment followed similar remarks by Netanyahu's spokesperson, Ziv Agmon, who allegedly called Moroccans "baboons." Lieberman concluded that when the spokesperson and mouthpiece speak in the same racist language, it reflects the sentiment within the Prime Minister's office.
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