Shas Minister Sparks Outrage After Dismissing Gadi Eisenkot as "Pet Moroccan"
Shas MK Michael Malkieli sparked a political uproar by dismissing former IDF Chief Gadi Eisenkot as a "pet Moroccan" during a broadcast interview, drawing sharp reactions across the political spectrum.
A new political storm has erupted in Israel after Shas MK and minister Michael Malkieli dismissed former IDF Chief of Staff Gadi Eisenkot during a radio interview on Kan 11, referring to him as a "pet Moroccan."
During the broadcast, host Akiva Novik asked Malkieli if he would be moved by the prospect of Eisenkot becoming Israel's first Moroccan-born prime minister. Malkieli sharply retorted, stating, "I am very excited that we will continue our work for the State of Israel, but I am not excited by a pet Moroccan. I am excited by Shas's actions." Malkieli added that a Moroccan should symbolize tradition, love for Israel, and the preservation of Jewish identity.
The controversy comes as Shas prepares for the upcoming Knesset elections, recently placing Maj. (res.) Dror Amos in the sixth spot on its candidate list. However, an investigative report by Channel 12 raised serious questions regarding the "Chesed Chaim VeEmet" association founded by Amos, which reportedly received some two million shekels from the Ministry of Religious Services to assist bereaved families from the October 7 tragedy, though representatives from affected communities denied ever encountering its operations.
