Likud's 27 Mandates Bring New Faces from Media, Law, and IDF to Knesset
Likud's 27 mandates in the 26th Knesset election secure parliamentary seats for six prominent figures from media, legal, and military backgrounds, including October 7 families, commentators, and former Labor politicians.
The election to the 26th Knesset brings a wave of new faces to the Likud faction, alongside well-known figures from media, legal, and public arenas. According to election results granting Likud 27 mandates, six prominent newcomers are expected to secure seats in parliament.
Among them is Tali Goili, placed 9th on the list. Goili is the mother of police officer Ran Goili, who fell during the October 7 attacks and whose body was abducted to the Gaza Strip, only to be returned in January 2026 after over two years in Hamas captivity. She became a prominent public figure and lit a torch at the Mount Herzl Independence Day ceremony in 2026.
Yaakov Bardugo, a businessman, attorney, and prominent political commentator for Channel 14 and Galei Israel radio, secured the 11th spot. Bardugo, a longtime ally of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, previously managed major public sector organizations including the Federation of Local Authorities and Mifal HaPayis.
Elisha Medan, placed 15th, is an IDF reservist and co-founder of the community of Avigail in the southern Hebron Hills. Severely wounded and losing both legs during the Swords of Iron war in the Gaza Strip, Medan lit a torch at Mount Herzl in 2025 and is now transitioning to national politics.
Attorney David Peter, positioned 16th, specializes in administrative and constitutional law and previously worked as a researcher for the Kohelet Policy Forum. Peter has represented the government and ministers in several Supreme Court petitions, including defending National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir and Justice Minister Yariv Levin, often acting independently of Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara.
Eli Goldschmidt, placed 26th, is a former Labor Party Knesset member who later transitioned to media and corporate lobbying. Following the October 7 attacks, Goldschmidt shifted his political stance, abandoning his previous alignment to support Benjamin Netanyahu and join Likud.
Erez Tadmor, positioned 27th, is a publicist, radio broadcaster, and co-founder of the Im Tirtzu movement. Having served as a speechwriter for Benjamin Netanyahu during the 2015 elections, Tadmor enters the Knesset for the first time representing the national camp within Likud.
