Bardugo Reveals Plan to Block Investigations of Knesset Candidates

Yakov Bardugo, recently appointed to the Likud party's Knesset list, revealed in his first interview since the move that he intends to advance legislation preventing new investigations into candidates for actions predating their inclusion on a party list. Bardugo stated that while investigations into actions occurring after a candidate is listed could proceed, no new probes into past conduct would be permitted.

Bardugo, who transitioned from a political commentator to a candidate, explained his decision to enter politics was influenced by a call from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. He also expressed concern about the upcoming elections, viewing them as critical for determining Israel's future character as a Jewish and traditional state, particularly in light of post-October 7th security and governance considerations.

In the interview with Shimon Riklin on Channel 14's "In Riklin's Sukkah," Bardugo also claimed he played a role in facilitating the return of Gideon Sa'ar to the Likud party. Bardugo described himself as a former sharp opponent of Sa'ar but asserted he worked to mend the relationship between Sa'ar and Netanyahu, despite past tensions, and helped create an atmosphere conducive to Sa'ar's return after Sa'ar's perceived mistake in joining the Bennett-Lapid government.