Gilad Erdan in a dramatic move against Yaakov Bardugo: "Public apology or lawsuit"

Former minister Gilad Erdan is threatening to file a libel lawsuit against media personality and Channel 14 host Yaakov Bardugo, following remarks made by Bardugo on air that Erdan had requested a reserved spot on the Likud list, and after being refused, decided to establish a party.

In a warning letter sent on behalf of Erdan, it is claimed that the statements are untrue. According to the letter, Erdan never requested a reserved spot on the Likud list for the Knesset, did not conduct negotiations on the matter, and therefore was not rejected. It is further stated that this is a fabricated "fact" and that the publication was disseminated for political motives.

The letter also claims that Bardugo's words, according to which Erdan is acting out of a desire to take revenge or harm the right-wing camp, constitute defamation and present a political interpretation as a fact. According to Erdan, the publication damaged his good name, especially against the backdrop of his activity in the public and political arena.

In the warning, Erdan demands that Bardugo publish a correction and a public apology in a format to be coordinated in advance, otherwise further legal proceedings will be considered.

These days, Erdan is working on establishing a party together with MK Yuli Edelstein, who is leaving the Likud.

About two months ago, Bardugo said about Erdan at the beginning of his program on Galei Israel radio:

"It may be that we are witnessing a new Naftali Bennett, and it may be that we are witnessing the drinking of votes from the right - if in the end he does not pass the electoral threshold. We have already seen this with Gideon Sa'ar and others. On a personal level, I wish him success, but on a political level - at least at this stage, without knowing who will be on the list - I do not. One must remember that this is the minister who brought Alsheich and established the corporation."