News Anchor Bardugo Explains Move to Politics, Cites Netanyahu's Call

Yaakov Bardugo, a commentator and anchor for Channel 14, has entered politics after being placed on the Likud party's Knesset list. In his first interview since the move, Bardugo explained to Shimon Riklin that he accepted Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's invitation to join the political arena, stating, "When the Prime Minister calls you, and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called me, then first of all, I come." Bardugo emphasized the significance of the upcoming elections, believing they will determine the nature of the Jewish state, its traditional character, and its legal and security systems post-October 7th. He drew parallels to his parents' immigration from Morocco in 1949, seeking a Jewish state.

Bardugo also detailed his role in facilitating Gideon Sa'ar's return to the government, despite past animosity. He asserted that Sa'ar's presence in the government was crucial for its stability, particularly during the ongoing war, stating, "Without Gideon Sa'ar in the government, there is no Iran, no Nasrallah, no Sinwar, all these things, because the government would have fallen. Period. These are facts." He alluded to other political connections he helped forge within the current government but declined to elaborate.

Looking ahead, Bardugo expressed his primary goal is victory for the Likud and the right-wing bloc. He envisions a national government coalition including Itamar Ben-Gvir, Bezalel Smotrich, the ultra-Orthodox parties, and Likud. Bardugo also proposed legislation to prevent investigations into actions of political candidates prior to their Knesset candidacy, arguing that right-wing figures are unfairly targeted. He also called for an immediate state commission of inquiry into the events of October 7th and the period preceding it.

Reflecting on the current political climate, Bardugo criticized the protests against the judicial reform, calling them a "big bluff" and linking some participants' motivations to political ambition. He also drew a connection between perceived draft-dodging and the failures leading up to October 7th. Bardugo praised Netanyahu's composure during the early days of the war and his decision-making, calling him the "greatest leader" since Israel's founding. The interview concluded with Bardugo sharing personal reflections on his late mother and expressing hopes for the soldiers and families affected by the war.