Ben-Gvir Defends Channel 14 Host Magal Amid Racism Controversy
Translated & summarized from Ice by baba
National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir defended Channel 14 host Yinon Magal against racism accusations for calling Gadi Eisenkot a "monkey" controlled by "elitist Ashkenazi" figures. Ben-Gvir stated Magal has featured more Mizrahi guests than anyone else. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu deemed Magal's remarks "very inappropriate," while former Shin Bet head Yoram Cohen called Magal "racist and base." The controversy continues days before the Knesset elections.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir defended Yinon Magal against racism accusations, stating Magal featured more Mizrahi guests than anyone.
- Yinon Magal, a Channel 14 host, called Gadi Eisenkot a "monkey" controlled by "elitist Ashkenazi" figures.
- Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called Magal's statement "very inappropriate."
- Former Shin Bet head Yoram Cohen labeled Magal a "racist and base person."
- The controversy highlights divisions within the Israeli coalition ahead of the Knesset elections.
National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir defended Yinon Magal, a host on Channel 14's "The Patriots," against accusations of racism. Magal had referred to former IDF Chief of Staff Gadi Eisenkot, now a candidate for the "Yashar" party, as a "monkey" and claimed he was being controlled by "elitist Ashkenazi" figures. Ben-Gvir argued that Magal has actually given a platform to more Mizrahi (Middle Eastern Jewish) individuals on his show than anyone else, dismissing the racism claims.
Magal's initial remarks, made during a broadcast last Saturday, sparked widespread condemnation from political and media figures. Eisenkot responded by stating the issue was not just Magal but also the forces behind him. The "Yashar" party condemned the statement, comparing it to past offensive remarks against the Mizrahi community. Magal later attempted to clarify, asserting he meant Eisenkot was being used as a puppet by others, not commenting on his appearance.
Ben-Gvir had previously defended Magal, calling attempts to label him a racist a distortion of his words and recalling how Magal had provided him with media access when others refused. However, not all coalition members agreed. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called Magal's statement "very inappropriate" during a radio interview, while also urging Eisenkot to condemn past offensive remarks made against Likud voters.
Former Shin Bet head Yoram Cohen, who is running with Eisenkot's party, also attacked Magal, calling him a "racist and base person." With the Knesset elections approaching, Ben-Gvir's continued public support for Magal highlights a division within the coalition regarding the controversy.
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