Channel 14 Commentator Yaakov Bardugo to Join Likud Knesset List

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu intends to reserve a spot on the Likud party's Knesset list for commentator Yaakov Bardugo, as part of a merger agreement with the New Hope party. Consultations are currently underway regarding the final positions and placements on the list, according to political correspondent Moti Castel. This move comes after Netanyahu previously reserved a spot for Míchel Buskila under the merger agreement with Gideon Sa'ar, but Sa'ar has now reportedly relinquished that reservation in favor of Bardugo.

Other notable figures being integrated into the Likud list include Talik Guili, the mother of fallen soldier Rani Guili, who was killed on October 7th and whose body was later returned to Israel. Also joining is Elisha Medan, a reservist fighter and founder of the community of Avigail in the Hebron area, who lost both legs during operational activity in northern Gaza and underwent extensive rehabilitation. Medan will take the spot previously intended for high-tech entrepreneur Oren Dubronsky, who decided not to run for the Knesset.

Additionally, attorney David Peter, known for his criticism of judicial activism and the legal counsel to the government, is being included. His inclusion is seen as bringing a figure strongly identified with the debate over the judicial system into the Likud list. Brigadier General (res.) Amir Aviv, founder of the 'Bistunim' (Security Professionals) movement, is also set to join the list, with his movement also merging with Likud. Aviv held numerous senior positions in the IDF, including deputy inspector general of the defense establishment, chief of staff to the chief of staff, deputy commander of the Gaza Division, and commander of the Combat Engineering School.