Channel 14 Panelist's 'Monkey' Remark Sparks Outrage, Netanyahu Weighs In
Translated & summarized from Ynet by baba
Channel 14 panelist Yinon Magal referred to Gadi Eisenkot as a "monkey," sparking controversy. Prime Minister Netanyahu reportedly spoke with Magal, suggesting he apologize or rephrase his remarks, which Magal refused. Another panelist later joked about Trump choosing "Bibi, not the monkey." Eisenkot called the incident a "pathetic racism show," while Magal claimed his comment was slang for manipulation.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Channel 14 panelist Yinon Magal called former IDF Chief of Staff Gadi Eisenkot a "monkey."
- Prime Minister Netanyahu reportedly asked Magal to apologize or rephrase his controversial remarks.
- Magal refused to apologize, telling Netanyahu he would not say he used the wrong words.
- Another panelist, Yotam Zimri, joked that Trump said to "choose Bibi, not the monkey."
- Gadi Eisenkot called the incident a "pathetic racism show" on Channel 14.
- Magal claimed his "monkey" comment was slang for manipulation, not appearance.
Channel 14 continued its broadcast as usual on Sunday evening, following a controversial remark made by panelist Yinon Magal, who referred to former IDF Chief of Staff Gadi Eisenkot as a "monkey behind whom are elitist Ashkenazim." During the program "HaPatriotim," Magal revealed a phone call with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu regarding the incident. According to Magal, Netanyahu asked him to apologize for his comments about Eisenkot. Magal stated he refused to apologize directly, but Netanyahu suggested he say he "used the wrong words," which Magal also rejected.
Later in the program, during a discussion about U.S. President Donald Trump's support for Netanyahu, panelist Avishai Ben Haim claimed Trump wrote the election slogan "Trump needs a strong Bibi." In response, fellow panelist Yotam Zimri added, "He also said 'choose Bibi, not the monkey.'" The panel, including Ben Haim, reportedly laughed at Zimri's comment.
Outside the studio, the Yishar! party displayed a campaign truck with Eisenkot's image and the question, "Yinon Magal, who did you call a monkey?" Eisenkot responded on social media platform X, sharing a video of himself with supporters singing "Hatikvah," calling it their answer to "another evening of a pathetic racism show on Channel 14."
Magal later attempted to clarify his "monkey" comment, asserting it was not about Eisenkot's appearance but a slang term for someone being manipulated. Eisenkot, in turn, called Magal "low-level" and suggested the real issue was "the person standing behind him."
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