TV Host's Remarks on Gadi Eisenkot Spark Outrage, Netanyahu Condemns

Broadcaster and TV host Yinon Magal has ignited public controversy with remarks made on his Channel 14 program "The Patriots." During a discussion with journalist Amihai Atali, Magal referred to Gadi Eisenkot, a political rival of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, as a "monkey" controlled by "elitist Ashkenazim." Magal suggested that Eisenkot, who is of Moroccan descent, was being used as a figurehead by a group of Ashkenazi elites, specifically mentioning Ronen Manelis as controlling his statements. This statement drew immediate criticism.

Businessman Roni Mana, a vocal opponent of the current government, took to X (formerly Twitter) to condemn Magal's comments, calling them a "desecration of Moroccans." Mana stated that if the situation were reversed, Prime Minister Netanyahu would "burn the country down" over such severe remarks. He urged Eisenkot to respond forcefully.

Gadi Eisenkot himself responded to Magal's comments, stating that he had no need to address "that level of discourse." Eisenkot shifted the focus, suggesting the real problem was "the person standing behind Yinon Magal," and vowed to bring about change and end "Magalism and Bardugism" in Israel.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu publicly condemned Magal's statement as "very inappropriate." Speaking on radio, Netanyahu stated, "It is not appropriate and it is not appropriate." However, he also criticized Eisenkot, noting that he wished Eisenkot would also condemn attacks against Likud members by businesswoman Galya Albin and that Eisenkot himself uses personal attacks against Netanyahu, such as being called a "traitor."

Magal later published a video attempting to clarify his remarks, explaining that he used the term "monkey" as a colloquial expression for someone placed in front to take the blame, not as a literal description. He reiterated that his discussion was about a perceived alliance between an "elite and hegemony" and Arabs to elevate Mizrahi (Eastern) Jews, and that Eisenkot, being Moroccan, was presented as their representative, but was allegedly being manipulated by the "Ashkenazi elite."