Netanyahu Pushes Ally Bardugo Onto Likud List Amid Fierce Internal Debate

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, along with his family, pushed for the inclusion of Yaakov Bardugo, a figure associated with Channel 14, onto the Likud party's electoral list, overriding internal warnings. This decision followed a heated late-night argument at the Prime Minister's residence.

Sources report that the intense discussion involved two factions within the Likud. One side argued for prioritizing candidates like Elisha Medan and Tali Goayali to win back voters who had left the party, warning that Bardugo's inclusion would alienate these potential supporters. However, Netanyahu ultimately decided to include both Bardugo and other preferred candidates, a move that has caused significant concern among senior Likud officials.

The primary worry among these officials is that Bardugo, having secured a reserved spot on the list, might also be appointed as the next Justice Minister, a position he has previously expressed interest in. This concern is amplified by past clashes between Bardugo and current Likud ministers.

While Netanyahu appears to be supporting Bardugo currently, political analysts believe the true test will come after the elections. If current poll predictions hold true, the Likud may have limited ministerial portfolios to distribute, potentially complicating Bardugo's aspirations for the Justice Ministry.