Yinon Magal Criticizes Dudi Amsalem for Undermining Likud Election Prospects

Radio hosts Yinon Magal and Ben Caspit clashed on 103FM over comments made by Minister Dudi Amsalem, who expressed support for former IDF Chief of Staff Gadi Eisenkot joining Likud. Magal sharply criticized Eisenkot and Amsalem, accusing Amsalem of wanting Likud to lose the upcoming elections and calling Eisenkot unsuitable for the party. He also condemned what he described as ethnic bias in favoring Eisenkot due to his Moroccan heritage.

Caspit defended Amsalem, noting his candidness and arguing that the attacks against Eisenkot actually strengthen him politically. Caspit highlighted Eisenkot's rise from three to 23 Knesset seats and his surpassing Netanyahu as a prime ministerial candidate in polls. He also emphasized that Israel is a diverse society and rejected divisive ethnic discourse.

Magal countered that Eisenkot gained votes from Naftali Bennett’s base and reiterated his view that Eisenkot does not fit Likud’s current identity. The debate intensified as Magal criticized Eisenkot’s media appearances, including participation in left-leaning podcasts and controversial remarks about the October 7 attacks and Netanyahu’s Holocaust comparison. Caspit responded by pointing out Netanyahu’s own problematic media interviews and questioned Magal’s harsh judgment of Eisenkot’s podcast discussions.

The exchange reflects internal tensions within Likud ahead of the primaries and the broader struggle over the party’s direction and leadership. Amsalem’s comments supporting Eisenkot have sparked debate about ethnic identity, political strategy, and the party’s future.

Summary: Radio hosts Yinon Magal and Ben Caspit debated Minister Dudi Amsalem’s support for Gadi Eisenkot joining Likud, with Magal accusing Amsalem of undermining the party’s election chances and Caspit defending Eisenkot’s rising popularity and criticizing divisive ethnic rhetoric.