Yaakov Bardugo: A Controversial Figure in Israeli Politics and Media
Yaakov Bardugo, a prominent political commentator and media personality, has never held elected office but has maintained a significant, albeit controversial, presence in Israeli public life. Born in 1965, Bardugo's career spans various roles, including CEO of Mifal HaPayis (the national lottery), advisor to Foreign Minister David Levy, and political commentator for Galei Tzahal (Army Radio) and Channel 14. He is slated to be placed 11th on the Likud party list for the 26th Knesset in September 2026, a move orchestrated by Benjamin Netanyahu.
Bardugo's career has been marked by several controversies and legal challenges. He has faced two investigations that were closed, been ordered to pay damages twice for defamation, and accused by two government ministers of threats. His appointment as CEO of Mifal HaPayis in 1997 was criticized by the State Comptroller, who found the selection process to be fundamentally flawed and influenced by political considerations. Bardugo left Galei Tzahal in 2022, claiming political dismissal, but a labor court later rejected his lawsuit, ruling he acted with extreme bad faith.
In recent years, Bardugo has become a vocal supporter of the right-wing government and Prime Minister Netanyahu, often expressing strong opinions on political and legal matters through his daily program on Channel 14. He has been critical of the judiciary, the Attorney General's office, and the Shin Bet, sometimes using inflammatory language. In May 2025, Ministers Yariv Levin and Miki Zohar accused Bardugo of personal threats and extortion, leading to a police investigation that was later closed due to the ministers' reluctance to file formal complaints.
Bardugo's professional background includes leadership positions in local government and public institutions. He managed neighborhood rehabilitation projects in Lod, served as CEO of the Local Authorities' Economic and Social Fund, and later as CEO of Mifal HaPayis. His early political involvement included working with David Levy and being placed on the Likud-Gesher-Tzomet list in 1996. He has also been involved in business ventures, including consulting and real estate, and faced scrutiny over financial dealings related to the Association for the Soldiers of Israel.
Bardugo's public statements have often been provocative. He has referred to Netanyahu as a "Churchillian historical figure" and has made controversial remarks about the judiciary, the Attorney General, and security agencies. His commentary on the classified documents affair in November 2024, where he suggested the Shin Bet and IDF were attempting to overthrow the government, drew significant attention. He has also been involved in defamation lawsuits, being ordered to pay damages to Nira Hefetz and Raviv Drucker.