Journalist Riklin Suggests Media Personality Magal as Netanyahu's Successor

Journalist and presenter Shimon Riklin has surprisingly identified media personality Yinon Magal as his preferred candidate to succeed Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, should he step down from political life. Riklin expressed this view during an interview on the "LaYamin Shor" podcast, hosted by Hanan Amior and Eitan Zinger.

Riklin stated unequivocally that Magal possesses excellent leadership potential, clarifying that his suggestion was serious and not a joke, having told Magal himself 20 years prior. Riklin, a supporter of Netanyahu and the right-wing camp, explained his difficulty in finding a suitable successor among current politicians. He believes Magal, who hosts "HaPatriotim" on Channel 14, has the necessary qualities for leadership and that this possibility should be seriously considered. "If I hear Netanyahu is resigning, the first thing I do is call Yinon. Why? Because I'm worried, because I don't see anyone replacing him," Riklin said, citing Magal's strength, Jewish heart, intellectual-emotional connection, and intelligence.

Riklin also mentioned other potential contenders for right-wing leadership, including Minister of National Security Itamar Ben-Gvir and Minister of Finance Bezalel Smotrich, anticipating a tough political contest between them. He specifically suggested a difficult battle between Magal and Ben-Gvir, and also mentioned Smotrich, though he considered him less of a contender.

However, Riklin acknowledged that Magal might not be able to attract voters from across the entire political spectrum, noting that some of his remarks can be inappropriate. Magal, known for his media work on Channel 14, has prior political experience, having been elected to the Knesset for the Jewish Home party in 2015 but resigning the same year. Riklin's comments have revived discussion about Magal's potential return to politics, though there is no indication Magal intends to seek leadership.