Who Comes After Netanyahu

Riklin Picks Yinon Magal to Succeed Netanyahu

Shimon Riklin said Yinon Magal has "excellent leadership potential" and predicted a tough fight between Magal and Itamar Ben Gvir.

Gila Isaacson

NOV 12, 2026 17:12

2 min read

Shimon Riklin on the "Leyamin Shor" podcast

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Shimon Riklin has named Yinon Magal as the figure he believes should lead Israel's right-wing bloc after Benjamin Netanyahu, calling him "excellent leadership potential."

Riklin made the remarks in an interview on the All In podcast hosted by Hanan Amiur and Eitan Zeliger. Asked who could lead the right after Netanyahu, he answered: "Yinon Magal. In my eyes he is excellent leadership potential." When the hosts asked whether he was joking, he replied: "No, it's not a gag. I told him this 20 years ago."

Riklin on the "Leyamin Shor" podcast (Courtesy of All In)

Riklin said he was worried about the day after Netanyahu. "If I hear that Netanyahu is resigning, the first thing I do is pick up the phone to Yinon. Why? Because I'm worried, because I don't see who replaces him," he said. "I don't see anyone stepping straight into Netanyahu's big shoes, but steadfastness, he has it. A Jewish heart, he has it. A combination of intellect and emotion, he has it. The required intelligence, he has it."

He predicted a hard-fought contest for the succession. "There will be a tough battle, Yinon against Itamar Ben Gvir," he said. "I would want Smotrich too, of course."

Asked whether Magal could draw votes from the left, Riklin said: "Less so. And also sometimes a few jokes that aren't always appropriate. But other than that, Yinon's great."