Past Use of 'Monkey' Insult Against Netanyahu Allies Resurfaces
Translated & summarized from Now 14 by baba
Commentator Yinon Magal's recent use of the term "monkey" to describe Gadi Eisenkot has led to the resurfacing of past instances where politicians like Amir Ohana, Itamar Ben-Gvir, Yisrael Katz, Gideon Sa'ar, and Nir Barkat were similarly described. Magal claimed he used the term in a criminal context, referring to manipulation, but faced criticism for alleged ethnic undertones. The article notes the term's varied and often controversial usage in Israeli political discourse, depending on context and speaker.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Commentator Yinon Magal's use of "monkey" for Gadi Eisenkot revived past similar insults against Netanyahu allies.
- Politicians Amir Ohana, Itamar Ben-Gvir, Yisrael Katz, Gideon Sa'ar, and Nir Barkat were previously called Netanyahu's "monkeys."
- Magal claimed his "monkey" comment referred to behind-the-scenes manipulation, not appearance or origin.
- Past posts using the term "monkey" also came from figures like Ilan Shiloh and Ibi Benjamin.
- Magal previously used the term "monkey" against former PM Naftali Bennett in 2021.
- The article highlights the flexible and controversial nature of the term "monkey" in Israeli politics.
A recent controversy involving commentator Yinon Magal's use of the term "monkey" to describe former IDF Chief of Staff Gadi Eisenkot has brought to light past instances where the word was applied to politicians aligned with Benjamin Netanyahu. Magal had stated he meant the term in its criminal underworld sense, referring to someone manipulated from behind the scenes. However, this explanation did not quell the backlash, particularly given the context of Eisenkot's Moroccan heritage and alleged references to an "elitist Ashkenazi" group controlling him.
Among the politicians previously labeled "monkeys" for Netanyahu in resurfaced social media posts are Amir Ohana, Itamar Ben-Gvir, Yisrael Katz, Gideon Sa'ar, and Nir Barkat. Some of these posts originated from prominent figures on the left, such as advertising executive Ilan Shiloh and Ibi Benjamin, who claimed these politicians were serving Netanyahu's political agenda.
Magal himself has a history of using the term, having previously called former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett "the left's monkey" in April 2021, implying Bennett was a tool used to oust Netanyahu. Magal has rejected accusations of racism regarding the Eisenkot comments, asserting his words were taken out of context.
The article suggests that the term "monkey" in Israeli politics is flexible, sometimes referring to criminal slang, other times an insult, and at other times a catalyst for media storms. The impact and interpretation of the word appear to depend heavily on who is speaking, who is being spoken about, and who benefits from the resulting headlines.
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