Israeli Broadcaster's Racist Remarks Spark Political Firestorm

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu condemned broadcaster Yinon Magal for calling Gadi Eisenkot, leader of the "Yashanut" party, a "monkey." Magal made the remarks during a discussion on the "Patriots" program, alleging that an Ashkenazi elite was controlling Eisenkot from behind the scenes and referencing his Moroccan origins and former advisor Ronen Manelis. Netanyahu described Magal's statements as "inappropriate" and "unacceptable," while also noting what he called a pattern of "arrogance and contempt" directed at Likud voters, whom he claimed are frequently compared to "monkeys."

Netanyahu stated that Magal "said what he should not have said," emphasizing that such condescending attitudes towards Likud voters are a daily occurrence, not an isolated incident. David Albaz, a member of the Likud party court, called for Magal to apologize immediately, writing on X that he was apologizing to Eisenkot as an Israeli of Moroccan descent and a Likud member. Albaz warned that such remarks could harm the Likud electorally, stressing that Magal is not the late comedian Dudu Topaz, implying he must take responsibility for his words.

Eisenkot responded to Magal's comments at the "Edge Conference," stating that his parents were born in Morocco and that his family's origins were never questioned until he became IDF Chief of Staff. He expressed no expectations from Magal, whom he accused of making "repulsive statements daily." Eisenkot also accused Netanyahu of hiding individuals of Mizrahi (Eastern) origin within his party.

The controversy unfolds amidst a broader political and media debate in Israel concerning rhetoric directed at the ethnic and social backgrounds of politicians and voters, particularly the tensions between segments of the Likud base and Netanyahu's political opponents.