Reality Star Bar Cohen Reveals Vote, Slams Politicians Over Cost of Living

Reality TV star and social media influencer Bar Cohen, who gained fame on the 2022 season of "Big Brother Israel" and came in second place, has revealed her voting intentions for the upcoming 26th Knesset elections. In an Instagram story posted Wednesday, Cohen stated she would vote for Professor Yaron Zehlikah, who is running second on the "Reservists and Economists" list led by Yoaz Hendel. Cohen explained her choice by saying she listens to Zehlikah and believes the "change we all talk about will come from below, not from the heads." Zehlikah, a former Accountant General in the Ministry of Finance from 2003 to 2007, is known for his criticism of Israel's economic policies and his fight against the high cost of living.

Cohen expressed frustration with public officials, criticizing their focus on security issues over economic concerns. "If we keep saying 'a wasted vote, it won't pass the electoral threshold,' we'll end up again with Smotrich or some other minister who talks about security instead of his field, and our pockets are of no interest to him," she stated. She emphasized that no single politician can solve all the country's problems and that professionals who understand their areas of responsibility should be promoted.

Despite concerns that Zehlikah's list might not pass the electoral threshold, Cohen declared she prefers to vote according to her beliefs rather than political calculations. "So this is the choice," she concluded. The article notes that Cohen's stance highlights the growing trend of Israeli celebrities and media personalities expressing firm political opinions, even when they deviate from mainstream voting patterns. Her focus on the economy and cost of living reflects its prominence as a key issue in social media discourse leading up to the elections.

The piece also mentions other celebrities' political endorsements, such as social media influencer Maor Buchman supporting Naftali Bennett, alongside figures like Avri Gilad and Kobi Oz. The Buzaglo family is presented as politically divided, with father Yaakov Buzaglo supporting Yair Golan's Democrats party, while his son Maor and daughter-in-law Miran back the Likud. Actor Uri Gabriel also declared support for Zehlikah, in addition to Cohen.