TV Host Yinon Magal Sparks Row After Calling Gadi Eisenkot a 'Monkey'

The Channel 14 host alleged that the former IDF chief of staff is managed by "elitist Ashkenazim," later claiming after fierce backlash that he was using criminal underworld slang.

A political row erupted in Israel following remarks made by Channel 14 host Yinon Magal regarding the leader of the Yashar! party, Gadi Eisenkot. During a television broadcast, Magal referred to the former IDF chief of staff as a "monkey" and alleged that elitist Ashkenazim are pulling strings behind him, as reported by ynet and The Jerusalem Post.

Eisenkot condemned the remark as "substandard," while his party stated that "the fear of defeat exposes your ugly truth."

Following public outcry, Magal clarified his statement. According to Israel National News, the host claimed he did not intend a racial insult, but rather used slang derived from the criminal underworld, where the term refers to a front man or proxy acting on behalf of others.