Likud Candidate Proposes Law to Shield Nominees from Past Investigations

Yaakov Bardugo, a commentator and presenter for Channel 14 who has been placed on the Likud party's Knesset list, revealed a legislative proposal he intends to advance if elected. In an interview with Shimon Riklin on the program "In Riklin's Sukkah," Bardugo suggested prohibiting the opening of investigations into Knesset candidates for actions committed prior to their inclusion on a party list. He clarified that investigations into actions occurring after their candidacy would still be permissible.

Bardugo linked his proposal to concerns about the potential misuse of investigations against right-wing figures. He stated that he believes a "cross" is placed on individuals on the right side of the political map who wish to be part of public life in Israel, implying they are targets for investigation. He plans to present this idea to decision-makers after the formation of a new government.

"My opinion is that it should be forbidden to open an investigation backward, from the moment you were placed on the list of candidates for the Knesset until that moment," Bardugo explained. He stressed that this prohibition would not apply to future offenses, stating, "Investigation forward, yes. If you committed a wrong, if you did something, yes. Until then, it is forbidden."

Bardugo argued that opening investigations into public figures from the right immediately labels them as "criminals." He intends to legislate this proposal, asserting that authorities should cease investigating past actions if they had not done so already, but can investigate future conduct.