Ben Caspit Stops Radio Show With Yinon Magal, Citing Netanyahu Allegiance

Veteran Israeli journalist Ben Caspit announced Wednesday that he has stopped broadcasting his radio program on 103FM with media personality Yinon Magal. Caspit stated on his X account that the reason for ending their long-standing collaboration was Magal's refusal to allow him to call Netanyahu a "servant" of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Caspit explained that Magal prevented him from speaking on air after he made the comment, warning him and then cutting off his microphone.

Caspit launched a sharp attack on Magal's character and recent statements, questioning his defense of Netanyahu's advisor Jonathan Uriach and calling it "enslaved servitude." He also cited several controversial remarks made by Magal, including calling bereaved families "despicable people," referring to former IDF Chief of Staff as a "Moroccan monkey," labeling Einav Tsengauer a "beast" for criticizing Netanyahu, and claiming Eli Albag's daughter would not be released in a hostage deal because the coalition would fall.

Caspit contrasted their approaches to criticism, noting that while he is open to hearing anything said about him, Magal is unable to hear the truth about himself. He recalled Magal's history of name-calling and taking his words out of context over the past seven and a half years. The program was scheduled to end after the upcoming Knesset elections on October 27th, but Caspit's departure brings the conclusion of the popular and often contentious show forward.

This is not the first time the volatile radio partnership between Caspit and Magal has faced disruptions. Throughout their seven and a half years together, they have experienced walkouts, microphone cutoffs, and suspensions. The recent period, intensified by the ongoing war and investigations into the Prime Minister's office, had escalated their confrontations to daily occurrences that frequently crossed accepted discourse boundaries.