Full Breakdown
Ziv Agmon Resigns Amid Controversy Over Racist Remarks
3/26/2026, 11:39:27 PM
Resignation Announcement and Context
Ziv Agmon, spokesperson for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, announced his resignation on Wednesday following the emergence of racist comments he made regarding lawmakers of Moroccan descent. The remarks, which included derogatory terms such as "baboon" and "retarded Moroccan," were revealed by Israeli journalist Amit Segal and sparked widespread condemnation across the political spectrum in Israel.
Details of the Controversy
Agmon's comments were reportedly made during private conversations prior to his appointment in the Prime Minister's Office. He acknowledged the authenticity of the quotes but claimed they were taken out of context. In his resignation statement, Agmon stated, “The attempt to attribute racist motives against the Moroccan public to my words is ridiculous in light of the fact that my nuclear family has Moroccan roots.” He expressed regret over the controversy and emphasized that the comments did not reflect his values.
In addition to the racist remarks, Agmon criticized Netanyahu, referring to him as "finished" and questioning his leadership following the October 7, 2023, Hamas-led attacks in southern Israel. He reportedly mused about Netanyahu's age and suggested that the Prime Minister should resign, stating, “The question is whether we’ll still have a state. He must go home.”
Official Responses and Reactions
The fallout from Agmon's statements prompted reactions from various political figures. Several lawmakers called for his dismissal, highlighting the severity of the comments. A source close to Netanyahu indicated surprise at Agmon's resignation, noting that he had not been the spokesperson for some time but was in line for a chief of staff role.
Criticism and Opposition
Critics of Agmon's remarks included members of Netanyahu's cabinet, who expressed disapproval of his behavior. The controversy has reignited discussions about racism within Israeli politics, particularly regarding the treatment of Mizrahi Jews, a group that includes many of Moroccan descent. Agmon's history of controversial statements, including a previous suspension by the Israel Bar Association for misconduct, has also come under scrutiny.
Conflicting Reports and Gaps
While Agmon's resignation was confirmed, there are conflicting reports regarding the timeline of his departure and the extent of his influence within the Prime Minister's Office. Some sources suggest that Agmon had not been actively serving in his role for a while, while others indicate that his resignation was unexpected.
Verbatim Quotes
- “The attempt to attribute racist motives against the Moroccan public to my words is ridiculous in light of the fact that my nuclear family has Moroccan roots.” — Ziv Agmon, Former Spokesperson for Prime Minister Netanyahu
- “The question is whether we’ll still have a state. He must go home. I wonder who will be responsible for negotiating for the hostages, [Likud ministers Shlomo] Karhi or [David] Amsalem? The country is finished,” — Ziv Agmon, on Prime Minister Netanyahu
Agmon's resignation marks a significant moment in Israeli politics, highlighting ongoing issues of racism and leadership accountability within the government.
