Bardugo Denies Being Silenced, Praises Netanyahu and Smotrich

Communications pundit Yaakov Bardugo, recently placed high on the Likud party list by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, has responded to reports claiming he is being kept out of the party's election campaign. Speaking at the inauguration of the new settlement "Mitzpe Eretz" in the Benjamin region, Bardugo dismissed the allegations. When asked by Channel 7 about reports from Channel 12 that he was being "hidden," Bardugo replied, "The people of Israel are alive, look, how are they hiding me?"

Channel 12 had reported that two weeks after being secured a top spot on the Likud slate, Bardugo has maintained near-complete silence and has not participated in the party's campaign. A senior Likud official was quoted in the report suggesting Bardugo "could alienate undecided voters from the center."

Bardugo also commented on the expansion of settlement activity in Judea and Samaria, expressing his satisfaction with the establishment of the new community. "More settlement, it is amazing that Benjamin is becoming a region of 100,000 residents, who would have believed it," he stated.

He lauded Prime Minister Netanyahu and Minister Bezalel Smotrich for their efforts in construction and settlement in the area. "Prime Minister Netanyahu and Minister Smotrich deserve all appreciation for the momentum of construction here, for the new settlements," Bardugo said. He added that Netanyahu's continued efforts in settling Judea and Samaria are particularly important for Israeli citizens in the post-October 7th era, viewing the settlements as a significant defense for the entire country.