Veteran Broadcaster Rafi Ginat Explains Political Involvement

Veteran Israeli broadcaster and announcer Rafi Ginat revealed he recently stepped into the political arena for the first time by hosting the launch event for the Yisrael! party's Knesset list. Ginat, who has previously rejected offers from three prime ministers, Yitzhak Shamir, Yitzhak Rabin, and Ariel Sharon, to enter politics, stated that the current situation in Israel compelled him to act. "I have stayed away from politics my whole life, I was never involved," Ginat said in an interview on 103fm radio. He explained that seeing "all this mess in the country" motivated him to "do something for the first time," leading him to contact the Yisrael! party via WhatsApp. Ronen Manelis, Gadi Eisenkot's campaign manager, responded to his message, and Ginat subsequently hosted the party's list unveiling. Ginat emphasized that he has no intention of running for office himself, stating, "I don't want to be a Knesset member and I don't want to be in politics, I just want this government to fly now and for something good to come in its place." He praised the Yisrael! party's list, highlighting its gender balance and the inclusion of figures like Shira Shapira, mother of a "shelter hero," Adi Altshuler of Wings of Eagles, and former Shin Bet chief Yoram Cohen. Ginat contrasted these individuals with current coalition members, mentioning Amir Ohana, May Golan, and Tally Gotliv, suggesting the comparison spoke for itself.