Sh*ck Move: Benjamin Netanyahu Fires Chief Of Staff Over Racist Remarks

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has dismissed his chief of staff, Ziv Agmon, following widespread backlash over alleged racist remarks that surfaced in leaked comments. According to Ireporter Online, the decision was announced late Sunday via a post on , with the prime minister confirming that Agmon would step down in the coming days as his successor, Ido Norden, prepares to assume office.

Agmon, who had been serving in an acting capacity while also functioning as spokesperson, came under intense criticism after reportedly making derogatory remarks about Jews of Moroccan descent, as well as disparaging comments directed at members of the Likud party and the prime minister’s family. The controversy sparked public outrage, prompting a swift response from Netanyahu’s office.

The announcement marked a notable reversal in position, as earlier communications from the Likud party had indicated that the prime minister initially preferred Agmon to remain in office in the interest of maintaining stability and continuity.

Meanwhile, Norden’s appointment has also drawn scrutiny. Reports by Israeli journalists suggest he was previously linked to the creation of anonymous accounts used to promote his book on the so-called “deep state,” in which he attributed Israel’s failure to prevent the October 7 Hamas attack on Israel to hidden institutional forces. His appointment remains subject to clearance by the Shin Bet.

A lawyer and economist, Norden currently leads a right-wing think tank advocating greater ideological diversity within Israel’s public sector, often criticising what it describes as a lack of pluralism in government institutions.

The development adds to mounting controversies surrounding Netanyahu’s inner circle. His ally, Tzachi Braverman, who has been named as Israel’s incoming ambassador to London, was recently questioned by police over alleged interference in a leak investigation linked to the Gaza war. Additionally, some of Netanyahu’s former aides have been embroiled in the so-called “Qatargate” scandal, involving allegations of receiving funds from Qatar to influence public perception during the conflict.