TV Host Quits Show for Knesset, Gets Mocking Send-Off

Yaakov Bardugo, a co-host of the Channel 14 program "Shva" (Seven), made a surprise departure from the show to join the Likud party's Knesset list, taking the 11th spot. His on-air partner, Yehuda Schlesinger, marked Bardugo's exit not with a solemn farewell, but with a humorous and pointed send-off.

Schlesinger opened the broadcast by calling out to Bardugo, only to be met with an empty chair, symbolizing his partner's move into politics. Schlesinger playfully chided Bardugo for not informing him directly about his political aspirations, despite Bardugo's reputation as a well-informed political commentator. "You know everyone's comings and goings, who's in and who's out, and you didn't tell me about yourself?" Schlesinger quipped during the broadcast, feigning offense.

Earlier, Schlesinger had attempted to call Bardugo, but the call went unanswered, leading him to joke that Bardugo was "blocking" him and that the new Likud list member needed to be updated on the show's lineup. The segment concluded with Schlesinger humorously lamenting the loss of several colleagues to politics, including Bardugo, leaving him with a reduced team.

The departure marks the end of Bardugo's ten-month tenure co-hosting "Shva" with Schlesinger. Bardugo's move to a realistic position on the Likud list signifies his transition from media commentary to active political engagement, while Schlesinger provided viewers with an entertaining, albeit unconventional, farewell moment.