Commentator Defends Racist Remark as Metaphor, Sparking Outrage
Translated & summarized from Ynet by baba
Commentator Yinon Magal's controversial description of former IDF Chief of Staff Gadi Eisenkot as a "Moroccan monkey" has been defended as a metaphor for a "puppet" controlled by Ashkenazi elites. The article argues this explanation is equally, if not more, racist, denying Mizrahi individuals agency. This "Bibiist racism," the author claims, is a prevalent form of discourse that dismisses independent thought from Mizrahi critics of Prime Minister Netanyahu. The author shares personal experiences of facing such accusations for holding anti-Netanyahu views.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Yinon Magal described Gadi Eisenkot as a "Moroccan monkey," later clarifying it meant a "puppet" controlled by Ashkenazi elites.
- The article argues Magal's defense is as racist as the original insult, denying Mizrahi agency.
- This "Bibiist racism" allegedly dismisses independent thought from Mizrahi critics of Prime Minister Netanyahu.
- The author, a Mizrahi with left-wing views, shares personal experiences of being called an "Ashkenazi slave" for opposing Netanyahu.
- The article criticizes the "Bibiist" camp for allegedly exploiting ethnic divides while choosing an Ashkenazi leader.
- Some Netanyahu supporters reportedly claim the Prime Minister himself is "Moroccan" to reconcile contradictions.
Commentator Yinon Magal has sparked controversy with remarks widely perceived as racist, particularly his description of former IDF Chief of Staff Gadi Eisenkot as a "Moroccan monkey." Magal has since attempted to clarify his statement, asserting that he did not literally mean Eisenkot is an ape. Instead, he claims he was using the term in the context of organized crime, implying Eisenkot is a "straw man" or a "puppet" controlled by others, specifically suggesting Ashkenazi elites manipulate him. Magal's explanation posits that Eisenkot, a leading candidate in polls, a respected former military leader, and a bereaved father, is merely a "Moroccan puppet on a string" operated by Ashkenazim.
The author of the article strongly refutes Magal's defense, arguing that calling a respected leader a "Moroccan puppet" is no less racist, and potentially more so, than the initial insult. The article contends that this framing, which denies Mizrahi individuals agency and intellect, is characteristic of the "Bibiist" discourse, a term used to describe supporters of Prime Minister Netanyahu. The author, identifying as Mizrahi and holding left-wing, anti-Netanyahu views, shares personal experiences of being accused of being an "Ashkenazi slave" or a "traitor" for expressing opinions critical of Netanyahu. This perspective, the article argues, suggests that for "Bibiists," a Mizrahi person cannot possess independent thought or hold views not aligned with the admired leader.
The article further elaborates on the nature of racism within this discourse, describing it as blatant and ugly, unlike the more subtle forms previously encountered. It asserts that this "Bibiist racism" refuses to accept Mizrahi individuals as intelligent, independent thinkers, viewing them instead as easily manipulated. The author finds it ironic that this camp, which allegedly exploits socio-ethnic divides, chooses an Ashkenazi millionaire from Caesarea, reportedly also a racist, as its leader. Some supporters, the article notes, even attempt to resolve this contradiction by claiming Netanyahu himself is "Moroccan."
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