Jacob Bardugo Fades from Public View Amid Likud Election Strategy

Jacob Bardugo, once a prominent and vocal supporter of the government, has significantly reduced his public media appearances since being placed on the Likud party's Knesset list. A report by Dafna Liel on Channel 12's main evening news indicated that Bardugo, who previously appeared almost daily on Channel 14 and Radio Galai Israel, has largely ceased giving interviews or making public statements. This marks a sharp contrast to his former high-profile presence and his frequent sharp criticisms of senior figures in the security and law enforcement systems.

Senior Likud officials reportedly view Bardugo's reduced visibility as a calculated strategic decision. The party is said to prefer keeping him out of the spotlight during this period, fearing that his combative rhetoric might alienate moderate and undecided voters the Likud is currently trying to attract. This move aligns with recent efforts to moderate the party's image ahead of the elections, similar to the decision to move MK Tali Gottlieb to the Otzma Yehudit party.

Despite his quiet media presence, Bardugo remains actively involved behind the scenes in party affairs and the Prime Minister's office, even if his public communication role is currently suspended. Political circles suggest that Bardugo's time away from the public eye is contingent on the ongoing Likud campaign strategy. As long as Prime Minister Netanyahu focuses on appealing to undecided voters in the center, Bardugo is expected to remain out of the public frame. However, if the strategy shifts to energizing the party's base and mobilizing long-time supporters, Bardugo might be brought back to the forefront of the party's public relations efforts.