Netanyahu Taps Channel 14 Host Yaakov Bardugo for Knesset List, Sparks Outrage

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced Tuesday the latest additions to the Likud party's Knesset list, including prominent media personality Yaakov Bardugo, a host and commentator on Channel 14. Bardugo has been granted the 11th spot on the party's slate.

Netanyahu's decision to include Bardugo, described by the Likud as a "prominent and influential voice of the national camp," has ignited significant public debate. Critics have labeled Bardugo as a Netanyahu loyalist and Channel 14 as a "propaganda channel."

Journalist Lital Shemesh, a colleague of Bardugo's, humorously questioned on X (formerly Twitter) what she would do now that "Bibi took my entire 'Motzash' panel," referring to a Channel 14 program. This remark drew sharp responses, with journalist Haim Levinson replying, "There are enough addicts at the central bus station. You won't be missed." News 13 legal affairs correspondent Aviad Glickman quipped, "It's not nice that he didn't reserve a spot for you."

Other social media users joined the criticism, with comments such as "Another excellent reason to shut down the propaganda channel in a month and a half" and "You need to move to a channel that broadcasts news, not propaganda." Bardugo, an attorney and political commentator, previously worked for Galei Tzahal radio and wrote for Israel Hayom newspaper. He also held executive positions at Mifal HaPayis and the Center for Local Government.