Netanyahu Unveils New Likud Slates Featuring Channel 14 Commentator Bardugo
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu unveiled his new reserved slots in the Likud party list, notably including Channel 14 commentator Yaakov Bardugo, wounded reservist Elisha Madan, and bereaved parents Taliq Goili and Itzik Bonzel.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced his new reserved spots in the Likud party list, sparking significant public debate. Among the new figures appointed by Netanyahu are Elisha Madan, a wounded reserve soldier and founder of the community of Avigail in the southern Hebron Hills; Taliq Goili, mother of St. Sgt. Ran Goili, the last fallen hostage whose body was recovered from the Gaza Strip; Adv. David Peter, a Kohelet Forum researcher who represented the government in the Supreme Court; Amir Avivi, chairman of the Habithonim movement; former Labor faction chairman Eli Goldschmidt; journalist Yaakov Bardugo; and Itzik Bonzel, father of fallen soldier Amit Bonzel.
Netanyahu's decision to include journalist and Channel 14 commentator Yaakov Bardugo generated considerable controversy in the Israeli media. In his first interview following the announcement with Yehuda Schlesinger, his former co-host on Channel 14's evening show "Seven", the newly minted politician discussed his entry into the ruling party.
"What minister do you want to be?" Schlesinger asked Bardugo. The former Channel 14 host replied without hesitation: "I want solely to win the elections. I am ready to resign the moment we win the elections. Here is my part, to win the elections, and now you got more out of me than I wanted." Back in April, Bardugo stated on Galey Israel radio that he was previously offered a ministerial post and declined, but felt ready now, specifically targeting the position of Minister of Justice.
