Netanyahu FIRES Top Aide Over VILE Racist Recordings

(LibertySociety.com) – Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu fires his top aide for vile racist slurs against core supporters, exposing deep rot in elite leadership circles amid national crisis.

Story Highlights

Channel 12 leaks recordings of Ziv Agmon calling Mizrahi Jews “baboons” and Likud members “rapists and murderers.”
Agmon insulted Netanyahu’s family, declared him “finished” after October 7 Hamas attack.
Netanyahu ousts Agmon after Likud backlash, appoints Ido Norden as successor.
Scandal reveals ethnic tensions in Likud, eroding trust in PM’s inner circle.

Leaked Recordings Ignite Outrage

Channel 12 aired an investigative report on April 1, 2026, revealing leaked phone recordings of Ziv Agmon, Netanyahu’s chief of staff and spokesman. Agmon referred to Jews of Moroccan and Mizrahi descent as “baboons” and mocked Likud MKs like Amichai Revivo and Boaz Toporovsky. These groups form a vital base for Likud, making the remarks politically toxic. Agmon’s tirades spanned years, including pre-2023 comments suggesting a Likud Knesset list as a “job ad for rapists and murderers.”

Insults Target Netanyahu and Allies

Post-October 7, 2023, Agmon called Netanyahu “old” and “finished,” unfit to lead hostage negotiations. He disparaged Mizrahi ministers Shlomo Karhi and David Amsalem, questioning their competence. Agmon also insulted Netanyahu’s wife Sara and son Yair. That evening, Agmon denied the remarks, claiming injustice and citing his own Mizrahi family ties. The recordings exposed a gatekeeper who alienated key allies while controlling PM access.

Netanyahu Acts Under Pressure

On April 5, Netanyahu announced Agmon’s dismissal for government stability, reversing prior Likud support. He named Ido Norden as successor. Likud MKs like Tally Gotliv and Osher Heico demanded Agmon’s ousting, labeling him a “racist, fool, traitor.” Opposition leaders Yair Lapid and Benny Gantz criticized Netanyahu’s circle of dysfunction. By April 6, Agmon resigned, admitted the remarks, apologized, and withdrew from public life.

Broader Divisions in Israeli Politics

This scandal echoes past controversies in Netanyahu’s team, including aides tied to crimes, but stands out for anti-Mizrahi racism from someone claiming shared heritage. Mizrahi Jews, from Middle Eastern and North African roots, anchor Likud’s electorate. The backlash unites critics across spectrum, highlighting power imbalances where elite insiders scorn grassroots base. Netanyahu balances loyalty against revolt from his own party.

Agmon’s fall weakens Netanyahu’s inner circle short-term, fueling opposition attacks during Israel-Hamas war fallout and hostage crises. Long-term, it risks eroding Mizrahi voter trust, reigniting Ashkenazi-Mizrahi debates. The episode underscores elite dysfunction, where officials prioritize personal frustrations over unity. Americans watching Israel’s struggles see parallels to deep state arrogance back home, where leaders betray founding principles of fairness and accountability for all citizens.