Senior Likud Minister Slams Channel 14 Host Over 'Monkey' Remark

Minister Eli Cohen joined criticism against Channel 14 host Yinon Magal on Sunday, following Magal's derogatory remark about Gadi Eisenkot, chairman of the Yisrael Beiteinu party, whom he called a "monkey." In an interview with Army Radio, Cohen stated that the comment was inappropriate and called for an end to ethnic-based discourse. Cohen also criticized the treatment of Likud voters, saying, "This is an unworthy statement, there is no place for ethnic discourse. We are accustomed to condescending remarks about the Likud."

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had previously condemned Magal's statement, calling it "very inappropriate." However, like Cohen, Netanyahu also broadened the discussion to include remarks against Likud supporters. The Prime Minister urged Gadi Eisenkot to condemn statements where Likud voters were referred to as "chimpanzees and baboons."

The controversy began when Magal used the term "monkey" in reference to Eisenkot during a discussion about Mizrahi representation in the political system. Following the backlash, Magal issued an explanation, claiming he did not intend to compare Eisenkot to an animal but used the term to describe someone being manipulated by others. "I called Eisenkot a monkey, not because he is ugly and looks like a monkey, but as an expression, like one taken from the underworld, where someone is put in front to operate him," Magal explained.