Netanyahu Taps Journalist Bardugo, Others for Likud List

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced new additions to the Likud party's Knesset list on Tuesday. Among the new candidates are Elisha Medan, a reservist fighter and founder of the Avigail settlement in the Hebron Hills who was injured in the war; Taliq Guili, mother of fallen hostage Rani Guili; attorney David Peter, a researcher at the Kohelet Forum who represented the government in the High Court; Amir Avivi, chairman of the "Protectors of Israel" movement; former Labor faction chairman Eli Goldschmidt; journalist Yaakov Bardugo; and Itzik Bonzel, father of fallen soldier Amit.

The inclusion of Yaakov Bardugo, a commentator and presenter for Channel 14, has sparked controversy in the Israeli media. In his first interview since the announcement, Bardugo spoke with former colleague Yehuda Shlezinger about joining the Likud party. When asked what ministerial position he desired, Bardugo stated, "I only want to win the elections. I am prepared to step down the moment we win the elections." He added, "Here is my part, and to win the elections, and now you have drawn more out of me than you wanted."

Bardugo had previously revealed in April that he had been offered a ministerial position, which he declined at the time. He told Radio Galai Israel then, "I feel ready now. The only role I want is Minister of Justice."