Netanyahu Taps Former Channel 14 Commentator Yaakov Bardugo for Communications Minister

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu intends to appoint Yaakov Bardugo, a former political commentator for Channel 14, as his next Communications Minister, should he be re-elected. Netanyahu has mentioned Bardugo as a potential candidate on two separate occasions, expressing a desire for an effective minister capable of enacting significant reforms in the telecommunications sector.

Bardugo, who previously expressed interest in the Justice Ministry, is reportedly being considered for the Communications portfolio partly due to the current minister, Shlomo Karhi, holding a low position on the Knesset list. Bardugo has a history of strong public criticism, having frequently attacked opposition politicians, IDF leaders, and even some Likud ministers during his tenure as a commentator. Notably, he once called then-IDF Deputy Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir a "political man" and urged his resignation. In July, Bardugo reportedly met with Shin Bet Director Ronen Bar, demanding a criminal investigation into Channel 12 news regarding leaks about the timing of Operation "Lion's Roar."

Netanyahu had previously pressured Bar to investigate Channel 12 over leaks concerning the operation's timing, reportedly influenced by some of his ministers. The Likud party issued a statement asserting that the Prime Minister is currently focused solely on securing a victory for the party and preventing a left-wing government led by Benny Gantz, rather than on appointments and job allocations.