Channel 14 Host Jests Netanyahu Took Her Entire Panel

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's decision to reserve seven new spots on the Likud party's list for the upcoming 26th Knesset elections has caused a stir. Among those most directly and humorously affected is Channel 14 host Lital Shemesh, as many of the newly reserved individuals are frequent guests and commentators on her show. Shemesh humorously posted on X (formerly Twitter) about her dilemma, "What do I do now with Bibi taking my entire Saturday night panel?" The post quickly went viral.

Among the prominent figures Netanyahu reserved spots for are veteran political commentator Yaakov Bardugo, Itzik Bonzel (father of fallen soldier Amit Bonzel), attorney David Petel, former Labor party figure Eli Goldschmidt, and chairman of the 'B'itachonistim' movement Amir Avivi. However, shortly after the announcement, Avivi decided to decline the 35th spot offered to him. Under new understandings, if Likud forms the next government, Avivi is expected to be appointed as a professional external minister.

While the other reserved candidates were officially approved by the Likud secretariat, Shemesh was left to begin recasting her panel for upcoming broadcasts.