MK Yaakov Bardugo Defends Netanyahu and Criticizes Media in Radio Interview
MK Yaakov Bardugo defended Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in a radio interview, dismissing reports of efforts to thwart Gadi Eisenkot and criticizing the media.
MK Yaakov Bardugo (Likud), who began his first term in the Knesset this week, attacked the media and opposition parties during a radio interview on 103fm with Nissim Mishal and Elaiil Shahar. Responding to claims that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is working to thwart the formation of a new government led by Gadi Eisenkot, Bardugo dismissed the reports and criticized the journalists.
"I do not respect this profession you hold, the press card, the journalistic news you quote to me with such an air of importance, I do not relate to it," Bardugo stated. He claimed that the main political dynamic in the Knesset involves cooperation between the opposition and Arab parties, asserting that parties in the change bloc rely on votes from lawmakers who do not support national symbols. During the fiery exchange, Mishal noted that negotiations are ongoing with the Haredi parties rather than Arab factions, to which Bardugo retorted, "Maybe you are confused, Nissim."
Bardugo also addressed the election of Avigdor Lieberman as chairman of the Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee, emphasizing that Lieberman was elected with the votes of Arab factions. When Mishal attempted to interrupt, Bardugo joked, "Don't pull a Bardugo on me." Rejecting assertions that Netanyahu opposes national unity, Bardugo argued that the prime minister is reaching out to Eisenkot to establish a broad government amid severe national security challenges, while accusing the left of rejecting the mandate of over a million Likud voters.
