PR Executive Slams Commentator Over Knesset List Placement

Public relations figure Rani Rahav launched a scathing attack on commentator Yaakov Bardugo, following Bardugo's placement at number 11 on the Likud party's Knesset list. Rahav accused Bardugo of causing division among Israelis, acting as a national inciter against 70% of the public, and supporting legislation related to military draft evasion. Rahav further alleged that Bardugo exploited his platforms on Channel 14 and radio to criticize anyone not aligned with the Prime Minister and to incite against the President.

Rahav expressed strong disapproval of Bardugo's potential appointments, stating that without his "armor" (referring to his protected spot on the list), Bardugo would not have been elected to any workers' committee. He warned that Bardugo's appointment as Minister of Communications or Justice would be a disaster for Israel, citing Bardugo's harsh criticism of the Supreme Court and his alleged responsibility for undermining the rule of law.

In a previous statement, Rahav had criticized the Likud party's leadership for Bardugo's inclusion, comparing it to a move from "the frying pan into the fire" after removing figures like M.Y. Golan and Tali Gottlieb. Rahav described Bardugo's candidacy as "shocking," a "disaster for Likud," and a "disaster for democracy." He also mentioned Dudi Amsalem in his criticism, suggesting that both Bardugo and Amsalem represent "darkness" in the Knesset and lack a sense of statehood, contrasting them with figures like David Levy.