Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced that Ziv Agmon will remain his spokesperson until his replacement takes over, despite controversial racist comments attributed to him.
The decision quickly sparked a backlash within the Likud party, with several Members of Knesset voicing strong opposition. Amid the uproar, Netanyahu reversed course, appointing Ido Norden as Agmon's successor, with the transition set to take place in the coming days.
"I have accepted Agmon's apology. The remarks attributed to him should not have been made, and it is good that a clear apology was issued," Netanyahu said. "At this time, Israel faces serious challenges, and responsibility requires stability and continuity."
"I’ve known Ziv for a long time, and I have never witnessed any sign of racism from him. On the contrary, quite the opposite," Netanyahu continued.
"On Passover night, we open the door and say, 'Let all who are hungry come and eat.' These words remind us that strong people are those who stand by their principles but also open their hearts, forgive, and make peace. The words were spoken, the apology was accepted, and the public heard it. Now, it is our collective responsibility to put this behind us and move forward together for the security of Israel and the unity of the people."
Revivo, Lapid, Chikli call for Agmon's dismissal
The decision angered many Likud members. Knesset Deputy Speaker Eliyahu Revivo, who was featured in Agmon’s controversial recordings, wrote, "You can’t spit in our faces and say that it’s rain. Over the past week, I’ve received hundreds of messages from Likud voters of Mizrahi descent who couldn’t believe that such a despicable person would receive support from above. I repeat, anyone who chooses to keep him in their circle or as their representative, thinking like him, should be dismissed."
Minister of Diaspora and Combating Antisemitism, Amichai Chikli, took to his X/Twitter account to write that Agmon "is unworthy of the position of chief of staff," and to urge Netanyahu to reconsider.
"For the sake of your success, Prime Minister, and for the sake of the movement's success, place a worthy person in this critical position," he wrote.
Leader of the Opposition and Yesh Atid Chairman Yair Lapid also condemned the decision in a post on his X account, writing, "Netanyahu has once again proven that the biggest racists in the country are in the Prime Minister's Office."
In another post, Lapid called on other officials to speak out as well.
After the backlash, Netanyahu reversed his decision and announced that Agmon would leave his post in the coming days, with his successor, Ido Norden, already beginning the transition process to the Prime Minister’s Office.