"A bunch of idiots": The ad that drove Yinon Magal crazy

The host of "The Patriots," Yinon Magal, addressed today (Thursday) an old advertisement published in the newspaper "Yedioth Ahronoth" after the disengagement from Gush Katif. It featured columns by journalist Nahum Barnea under the headline "Gaza First" and by former Minister of Defense Shaul Mofaz under the headline "A Brave Move." Ahead of the 21st anniversary of the disengagement, he criticized them sharply:

"What a disaster this bunch of idiots brought upon us, we will not forget and we will not forgive."

Magal, who was a military and political correspondent at the time, covered the preparations, the protests, and the evacuation itself. He was present in Neve Dekalim, witnessed soldiers and police officers entering homes to ask residents to leave, and described it as one of the hardest nights of his life. Since then, he has continued to identify with the pain of the evacuees, to mark the day of Gush Katif (22nd of Shevat), and to support renewed settlement in the area.

Just yesterday, he arrived at the Gush Katif Museum in Jerusalem and received the title of "Worthy of Gush Katif." At the moving ceremony, he shared the feelings that accompanied him during the disengagement:

"It was a difficult event. I carried it for a long time and, in fact, until today."

Later, he took the opportunity to thank the organizers:

"May we merit the renewal of Jewish settlement in the Gaza Strip and in Gush Katif. Strength to you for what you are doing, that you do not let this be forgotten."

He further added unequivocally: "This memory and this act will return. Ultimately, in every place that was promised to us, there will be Jewish settlement." After the event, he posted on his X account: "It was a great honor for me to receive the Gush Katif badge today. Thank you for your persistence, faith, and inspiration. We will return there."