Likud Official Calls for Yinon Magal's Apology Over 'Monkey' Remark About Eisenkot

A comment made by Channel 14 presenter Yinon Magal, referring to former IDF Chief of Staff Gadi Eisenkot as a "Moroccan oriental monkey" controlled by Ashkenazi elites, has sparked widespread condemnation, including from within the Likud party. David Elbaz, a member of the Likud party's court, urged Magal to retract his "unfortunate statement" and apologize. Likud activist Rami Ben Yehuda shared an AI-generated video depicting Eisenkot as a monkey on X, noting Eisenkot's status as a bereaved father, former chief of staff, and of Moroccan descent.

Eisenkot himself addressed Magal's remarks, pointing a finger at Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, stating, "The voice is Yinon's, but the hands are Netanyahu's. This is a culture of lies, division, and fear." He emphasized his own background, having been born in Tiberias and raised in Eilat, and stressed that his origins were never a barrier to his military career, sending a message to all Israeli children.

Yoram Cohen, former Shin Bet chief and number two on the Yashar! party list, also condemned Magal's words, calling the statement "racist and outrageous," suggesting it implies that Mizrahi (Oriental) individuals are puppets. He criticized the silence of senior Likud and Shas officials, questioning their commitment to opposing such discourse, even when it originates from within their political camp.

Prime Minister Netanyahu eventually condemned Magal's statement after 13 hours, calling it "very inappropriate." However, he also called on the head of Yashar! to condemn remarks made by others who allegedly called Likud members "chimpanzees and baboons." Netanyahu argued that there are no red lines in ethnic discourse, claiming that he and Likud voters are daily accused of treason and are called "monkeys, baboons, and chimpanzees," asserting that this is a daily phenomenon directed at Likud voters.

Magal's original comments, made during a discussion on "The Patriots" program, suggested that Eisenkot was a puppet controlled by "elitist Ashkenazim," with Ronen Manelis allegedly directing him. Magal also referenced a Moroccan prime minister, implying it was a superficial gesture. The Yashar! party responded with a video of its members proudly stating, "I am a proud monkey," and criticized the delay in condemnation from Netanyahu and the Likud party, characterizing it as a "culture of poison and lies."

Avigdor Lieberman, chairman of Yisrael Beiteinu, joined the criticism, calling Magal Netanyahu's "main mouthpiece" and linking the remarks to previous comments by Netanyahu's spokesperson, who allegedly called Moroccans "baboons." Lieberman stated that the upcoming election on October 27 would be a choice between "us or the racists."