Berkovich Accuses Netanyahu of Being Israel's Biggest Racist

A controversy erupted in Israel following remarks made by Channel 14 host Yinon Magal, who referred to Gadi Eisenkot, chairman of the "Yashar" party, as a "monkey" controlled by Ashkenazi elites. During a debate with fellow presenter Amihai Atali, Magal suggested that Eisenkot, who is of Moroccan descent, was being manipulated by figures like Ronen Manelis, stating, "They put a Moroccan-Iraqi in front of you, and you say, 'But they put a Moroccan prime minister in front of you, here, what more do you need?' It's like the emperor's new clothes."

The comments sparked widespread reactions from prominent political figures and media personalities. On Channel 13's program "Moria and Berkovich," former footballer Eyal Berkovich strongly criticized figures associated with Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu. Berkovich asserted that Netanyahu has built a decades-long career on division and is "the biggest racist since the founding of the state," citing alleged mistreatment of staff and caregivers within his office. He also claimed Netanyahu's family members are the most racist individuals in Israel's history.

Berkovich then asked his co-host, Moria Asraf, if she was offended by Magal's remarks as a Moroccan woman, to which she replied that she was not easily offended. Gadi Eisenkot responded to Magal's comments, stating, "Yinon Magal said I am a monkey operated by Ashkenazim, so I have nothing to answer to that level. The problem is not Yinon Magal but the man standing behind Yinon Magal. We will bring change to the country, remove the phenomenon of 'Magalism' and 'Bardugism' from our lives and bring a better country."

In response to the backlash, Yinon Magal released a clarification video. He explained that his use of the term "monkey" was an underworld expression for someone placed in front to take the fall, and that it was borrowed from a political discussion. He reiterated that the "Ashkenazi elite" were operating Eisenkot from behind the scenes.