Israeli Politicians Condemn Host's 'Monkey' Remark About Former IDF Chief

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu condemned Magal's statement as very inappropriate, but added that he would be pleased if Eisenkot also condemned remarks by others who have referred to Likud supporters as chimpanzees and baboons. Minister Eli Cohen also criticized Magal's comment, calling for an end to ethnic-based discourse, while noting that Likud voters are accustomed to condescending remarks.

Eisenkot called Magal a despicable person and accused Netanyahu of hiding Mizrahi Jews within his party, stating that while the voice is Yinon's, the hands are Netanyahu's. Opposition leaders Yair Lapid and Avigdor Lieberman also sharply denounced Magal's comments, with Lieberman accusing Netanyahu's office of using similar racist language. Magal later explained his comment, claiming he did not intend to compare Eisenkot to an animal but used the term to describe someone being manipulated.