In a shocking statement that has sent shockwaves through Israeli political circles, Eyal Megged—a writer and former close friend of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu—publicly called for a military coup to overthrow the Israeli government during a radio interview on Tuesday morning.
Speaking on 103FM radio station during a conversation with Haaretz editor Benny Ziffer, Megged made an unprecedented declaration. He said, "I would be happy if there were a military coup against Netanyahu. We cannot continue with this madness... I would be happy if there were a military coup in Israel. I would be happy."
The statement grew even more scathing when Megged added what quickly became the most quoted line from the interview. He declared, "If my cat took power instead of Bibi, it would be better for the country."
A Former Friend's Breaking Point
Megged, described in reports as Netanyahu's "former friend," expressed profound disillusionment with the Prime Minister's leadership, marking what appears to be a dramatic rupture in what was once a close personal relationship. He stated bluntly, "My cat is better than Netanyahu," emphasizing the depth of his frustration with the current government.
Megged outlined several grievances that led him to make such an extraordinary statement. He criticized the Lebanon War as a "pointless war continuing in Lebanon" and cited Hezbollah blows against Israeli soldiers as evidence of military failure. He described Netanyahu's actions as "insane adventures" and accused the Prime Minister of letting "one family control the country". Most damningly, Megged warned that Netanyahu has "decided that he is destroying us" and "doesn't care what will happen to the country after he leaves".
When discussing potential political solutions, Megged dismissed the possibility that upcoming elections would remove Netanyahu from power. He characterized the Prime Minister as "determined to leave the stage of history in blood, fire, and pillars of smoke"—a biblical reference suggesting Netanyahu intends to remain in power regardless of the devastation it may cause.
Immediate Aftermath
The comments went viral immediately after the Tuesday morning broadcast, with reports appearing across multiple international news outlets by Wednesday. The statement represents one of the most extreme public criticisms of Netanyahu to come from someone with his personal history with the Prime Minister. Megged expressed shock at what he described as the country's deterioration, indicating that his call for a military coup represents a breaking point rather than a casual remark.
This incident occurs against the backdrop of ongoing regional tensions in the Eastern Mediterranean and Middle East, including the continued conflict in Lebanon involving Hezbollah and the ongoing Gaza war, with former Israeli PM Ehud Olmert and top spies recently calling for its end. The statement has reignited debates about Israel's political direction and the growing frustration among some Israelis with Netanyahu's prolonged tenure as Prime Minister.