Senior Doctor Responds to Suspension After Calling Likud Voters 'Macaques'

Dr. Dov Lexman, a senior physician suspended from the Assuta and Maccabi health organizations, has publicly responded for the first time after referring to Likud voters as "macaques." Posting on Facebook, Lexman sought to lower tensions while defending his remarks, stating he did not incite violence and that his use of the term "Moroccan dominance" was factually accurate. He described his suspension as a "small blow to the wing" and criticized the decision as "rather foolish," especially amid a shortage of specialist doctors.

Lexman explained that the derogatory term "macaques" is commonly used online as a counter to terms like "Ashkenazim," "Hitler," and "Mengele," which he argued are equally disturbing. He apologized for offending many people but denied being racist, citing his own family’s mixed marriages and mixed-race grandchildren as evidence. He also expressed sorrow over what he called the "plundering of the state by extreme dark forces," lamenting the division within the nation and hoping future generations will witness its revival.

The controversy erupted ahead of the 2026 elections, with Lexman’s comments sparking public outrage and accusations of racism. His suspension from major medical institutions reflects the backlash against his statements, which he now attempts to contextualize as political trolling rather than hate speech.