Professor Criticizes Netanyahu Over Remarks on Yinon Magal's Comments
Translated & summarized from Now 14 by baba
Professor Moshe Cohen-Eliya criticized Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for condemning presenter Yinon Magal's controversial "monkey" remark about Gadi Eisenkot. Cohen-Eliya argued the term was not racist but described a political pawn, and that Netanyahu's condemnation was unjust. Magal himself defended his statement, claiming it was taken out of context and not intended as a slur. The controversy has drawn in other figures, including Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, who also rejected the racist interpretation.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Professor Moshe Cohen-Eliya criticized Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for condemning Yinon Magal's remarks about Gadi Eisenkot.
- Cohen-Eliya stated Magal's use of the term "monkey" was not racist but described a political pawn.
- The professor argued Netanyahu's condemnation of Magal was unwarranted and that the remarks were taken out of context.
- Magal used the term "monkey" to describe Eisenkot, suggesting he was controlled by Ashkenazi elites.
- Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir and journalist Yosef Israel also defended Magal against accusations of racism.
Professor Moshe Cohen-Eliya has publicly criticized Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for condemning presenter Yinon Magal's remarks about Gadi Eisenkot. Cohen-Eliya, who recently announced his intention to vote for the Likud party, argued that Magal's use of the term "monkey" was not a racist slur against Mizrahi Jews, but rather a description of a political figure serving others' interests. He explained that Magal has used the term previously, citing its use in relation to Naftali Bennett, to describe individuals manipulated by external forces. Cohen-Eliya believes Magal's comments were taken out of context and that the prime minister's swift condemnation was unwarranted.
Cohen-Eliya elaborated that the term "monkey" is derived from police jargon and refers to a pawn used by others. He suggested that Magal employed it to illustrate how established power groups use figures from different backgrounds, like Bennett and Eisenkot, to maintain their influence. While acknowledging the term's sensitive connotations in Israeli discourse, Cohen-Eliya asserted that Magal harbored no racist intent and therefore should not apologize. He stated that Magal's observations were sociologically accurate in exposing the manipulative racism of the "old establishment."
The controversy began during a discussion on the "HaPatriotim" program where commentator Avishai Ben Haim discussed the role of Mizrahim in politics. When the possibility of Gadi Eisenkot, who is of Mizrahi descent, becoming prime minister was raised, Magal responded by calling Eisenkot a "monkey," suggesting he was being controlled by Ashkenazi elites. This sparked accusations of racism, with the Yishar party comparing the remarks to David Topaz's "Chachachim" comment. Eisenkot himself dismissed the remarks as "sub-par."
Magal has defended his statement, claiming the term comes from the criminal world and describes a front man for others operating behind the scenes. He accused media outlets of taking his words out of context to harm him. This is not the first time Magal has used the term in a political context; in April 2021, he called Naftali Bennett a "monkey" for the left wing to bring down Netanyahu. Minister of National Security Itamar Ben-Gvir and journalist Yosef Israel have also defended Magal, rejecting the racist interpretation of his words.
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