Yinon Magal Reacts to Not Being Placed on Likud List

Following the finalization of party lists for the upcoming elections, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu placed his confidant, Channel 14 host Yaakov Bardugo, at the 11th spot on the Likud slate. Bardugo's colleague at Channel 14, Yinon Magal, addressed his own absence from the list during a broadcast on Radio 103FM on Tuesday.

When asked by co-host Nadav Peri if he wanted to send Bardugo congratulations, Magal responded, "I wish Bardugo success, his success is our success." He added humorously when asked if Bardugo would be missed at Channel 14, "He wasn't on Patriots because he was on the main broadcast. So what is there to add?"

Peri then relayed a question from an anonymous source at the station: "How is it possible that Yinon was not placed on the list?" Magal, who is also known to be close to Netanyahu, responded with mock offense, "Honestly, I'm hurt. I think I'm worthy, I think I'm suitable, I think I've given a lot to the religious Zionist bloc. I didn't understand why I didn't get a call, but okay. I will still continue to support the bloc."

Peri offered his own assessment of Magal's political future, suggesting to the anonymous source that the Knesset placement was "beneath him." Peri speculated that Magal is waiting for Netanyahu to conclude his political career before entering the political arena at a higher level, noting Magal had already served a brief term in the Knesset. "His next move in politics will aim for the very top," Peri stated.