Bardugo Attacks Critics After Disappearing From Likud Campaign
Translated & summarized from Israel Hayom by baba
Commentator Yaakov Bardugo, previously removed from the Likud campaign, attacked critics after a report alleged Prime Minister Netanyahu suppressed Mizrahi politicians. Bardugo specifically targeted commentator Meirav Bitton and also criticized Yisrael Beiteinu candidate Gadi Eisenkot. The article suggests that Israeli politics continues to exploit ethnic divisions, with the Likud historically benefiting from such tactics.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Commentator Yaakov Bardugo attacked critics after being sidelined from the Likud campaign.
- A Channel 12 report alleged PM Netanyahu suppresses Mizrahi Likud politicians.
- Bardugo criticized Mizrahi commentator Meirav Bitton and candidate Gadi Eisenkot.
- Channel 14 accused the left of racism and defended Bardugo.
- The article notes the historical use of ethnic tensions in Israeli politics.
Commentator Yaakov Bardugo, who had been sidelined from the Likud campaign, resurfaced to criticize those who had questioned the party's treatment of Mizrahi (Middle Eastern/North African descent) members. Bardugo's reappearance followed a Channel 12 report by Ilan Lokaç that alleged Prime Minister Netanyahu deliberately suppressed Mizrahi Likud figures. Lokaç interviewed Mizrahi and Ashkenazi commentators, presenting statistics and claiming Netanyahu preferred "white in his eyes," while Mizrahi politicians like Memsi, Reggev, Ohana, Beitan, and Bardugo had vanished from public view.
Lokaç's report ignited a backlash on Channel 14, which accused the left of racism. Bardugo was brought onto the channel and, in turn, attacked Meirav Bitton, a Mizrahi commentator featured in Lokaç's report, calling her "ashamed in Beit She'an" and accusing her of inferiority complexes. Bardugo also distanced himself from the "typical Mizrahi" label, stating he is a "man of culture" who recently attended the opera in Vienna.
Bardugo also used the platform to criticize former IDF Chief of Staff Gadi Eisenkot, a candidate for the Yisrael Beiteinu party, describing him as lacking basic knowledge. The article notes that Eisenkot, who could be the first Mizrahi prime minister, is facing harsh criticism from Channel 14, with commentators comparing him to a cockroach and a wet wipe, and attributing his perceived lack of charisma to "hegemony."
The piece reflects on how, since the "Chachamim" speech, the Likud has historically leveraged ethnic tensions for votes. It questions the continued relevance of Mizrahi-Ashkenazi identity politics in Israel, suggesting voters still choose with their hearts rather than their heads, leading to predictable outcomes.
Mentioned
