Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu dismissed his chief of staff Ziv Agmon following the leak of racist comments targeting Jews of Moroccan descent and members of his own inner circle.
Agmon, who served as both acting chief of staff and spokesperson, sparked widespread outrage after reportedly calling Jews of Moroccan heritage 'baboons' in private conversations. The leaked remarks also included disparaging comments about Netanyahu's wife and son, as well as members of the ruling Likud party.
Ziv Agmon will leave his post in the coming days once his successor, Ido Norden, takes office
Benjamin Netanyahu — X post
The dismissal marked a dramatic reversal for Netanyahu. Less than two hours before announcing Agmon's departure, the Likud party's official Telegram channel had quoted the prime minister expressing his desire to keep Agmon in position for 'stability and continuity.'
Netanyahu's chosen replacement, Ido Norden, brings his own controversies. Israeli journalists revealed that Norden created fake social media accounts to promote his book about Israel's 'deep state,' which attributes the country's failure to prevent the October 7, 2023 Hamas attack to shadowy institutional forces.
Turkish media emphasizes the racist nature of the remarks and the broader pattern of scandals plaguing Netanyahu's administration. The coverage highlights internal Israeli dysfunction and moral failures, aligning with Turkey's increasingly strained relationship with Israel over Gaza policies.
Pakistani coverage presents the scandal as part of Netanyahu's ongoing administrative troubles without editorial commentary. The framing focuses on institutional instability rather than moral judgment, reflecting Pakistan's complex position of criticizing Israeli policies while maintaining diplomatic distance.
German media frames the incident as evidence of deeper problems within Netanyahu's leadership, emphasizing the racist nature of the comments. The coverage reflects Germany's particular sensitivity to antisemitism and racism while maintaining its critical stance toward Netanyahu's governance style.
Norden chairs the Forum of Senior Officials, a right-wing think tank advocating for ideological diversity within Israel's public sector. The lawyer and economist must still undergo security vetting by the Shin Bet domestic intelligence service before assuming his role.
The staff upheaval reflects deeper instability within Netanyahu's administration. His inner circle faces mounting scrutiny across multiple scandals, including the 'Qatargate' affair where former aides allegedly accepted Qatari money to improve the Gulf state's image during the current conflict.
Police recently questioned Tzachi Braverman, Netanyahu's close ally designated as Israel's future ambassador to London, over alleged interference in a leak investigation connected to the Gaza war. The questioning highlights how legal troubles continue to penetrate the prime minister's closest advisors.
Agmon's racist comments particularly stung Israel's Mizrahi Jewish community, descendants of Jews from Middle Eastern and North African countries who faced discrimination in the state's early decades. Moroccan Jews represent one of Israel's largest ethnic communities, with many holding prominent positions in politics, business, and society.
The timing proves especially awkward as Netanyahu navigates multiple domestic and international pressures. His government faces ongoing protests over judicial reforms, international criticism of the Gaza war conduct, and growing tensions within his own coalition.
Whether Norden can provide the stability Netanyahu seeks remains uncertain. His conspiracy theories about institutional sabotage and his use of deceptive online tactics raise questions about his suitability for a role requiring public trust and diplomatic sensitivity.