Yinon Magal Expresses Disappointment Over Likud List Snub

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's recent appointments to the Likud party list have culminated in the placement of Channel 14 host Yaakov Bardugo at the promising 11th position. On the morning program "103FM," fellow Channel 14 host Yinon Magal commented on the move alongside presenter Nadav Peri.

Magal offered Bardugo his best wishes, stating, "I wish Bardugo success. His success is our success." When asked if he would miss Bardugo on screen, Magal quipped that Bardugo was not on "The Patriots" but rather on the main news edition. Peri then raised the question of Magal's own absence from the list, given his perceived closeness to Netanyahu and his prominent voice on the right.

Magal responded with sarcastic humor, "Frankly, I was hurt. I think I am worthy and suitable and I have given a lot for the religious Zionist bloc. I didn't understand why I didn't get a call, but okay, I will continue to support the bloc." Peri offered a different perspective on Magal's political future, suggesting his ambitions are much higher. "This is too small for him. He is waiting for the moment the tribal leader ends his political career one way or another, and then he will enter the arena. He already did two months in the Knesset and that was enough for him. His next move in politics will be aimed at the very top," Peri speculated.

Magal recently questioned reports that Netanyahu received a severe warning from the United Arab Emirates, expressing deep skepticism about the story's credibility. He argued that such a diplomatic conversation must leave official traces and records. Magal also directed criticism towards news studios for engaging with unverified reports, specifically mentioning Channel 12's Yonit Levy and expressing frustration over the need to deal with self-perpetuating news cycles lacking concrete evidence.