Yinon Magal Condemns Gush Katif Disengagement in Fiery Response to Old Advertisement

Yinon Magal, host of the show "The Patriots" and former military and political correspondent, expressed strong anger over an old advertisement published after the 2005 disengagement from Gush Katif. The ad, which appeared in Yedioth Ahronoth, featured columns by journalist Nahum Barnea titled "Gaza First" and former Defense Minister Shaul Mofaz titled "A Brave Move." Ahead of the 21st anniversary of the disengagement, Magal harshly criticized the supporters of the evacuation, calling them a "bunch of idiots" and declaring, "What a disaster this bunch brought upon us, we will not forget or forgive."

Magal covered the preparations, protests, and the evacuation itself closely, witnessing soldiers and police entering homes in Neve Dekalim and ordering residents to leave. He described the experience as one of the hardest nights of his life and has since identified with the pain of the evacuees. He continues to commemorate Gush Katif Day (22nd of Shevat) and supports renewed Jewish settlement in the area.

Just the day before, Magal was honored with the title "Distinguished Gush Katif Member" at the Gush Katif Museum in Jerusalem. In an emotional speech, he reflected on the lasting impact of the disengagement, saying, "It was a difficult event. I carried it for a long time and still do today." He expressed hope for the restoration of Jewish communities in Gaza and Gush Katif, praising those who keep the memory alive. On his X (formerly Twitter) account, he wrote, "It was a great honor to receive the Distinguished Gush Katif Member award today. Thank you for your dedication, faith, and inspiration. We will return there."

Magal concluded firmly that the memory and the act of the disengagement will be reversed, stating, "In the end, Jewish settlement will be restored wherever it was promised to us."