Bardugo Discusses Election, Netanyahu Trial, and Political Rivals

Political commentator and recent Likud joiner Yaakov Bardugo appeared on Yinon Magal's program "HaPatriotim" to discuss the upcoming elections, internal disputes within the right-wing bloc, and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's trial. Bardugo asserted that Netanyahu will not grant interviews to Channel 12 before the elections, stating "The answer is yes" when asked if he himself prevents such interviews. He also sharply criticized the legal and media handling of the cases surrounding Netanyahu, predicting that the prime minister's trial will be dismissed soon, possibly through a defense motion or by being "made to disappear."

Bardugo rejected the idea of a unity government post-election, advocating instead for a right-wing government that includes the current coalition partners and Otzma Yehudit leader Itamar Ben-Gvir as a senior minister. However, he criticized Ben-Gvir and his associates for internal conflicts within the right, stating, "You don't shoot in an APC to get another mandate or two, because it can cause the loss of the entire right-wing bloc."

A significant portion of the interview focused on Ofer Winter and efforts to persuade him to withdraw from the race. Bardugo claimed to know Winter's deep polling numbers, asserting that Winter will not pass the electoral threshold and has previously stated he would withdraw if his party failed to do so. Bardugo urged continued pressure on Winter to withdraw before election day, warning that smaller parties on the right could collectively siphon off crucial mandates.

Addressing economic matters, Bardugo contended that the financial media presents a distorted picture of the Israeli economy, which he described as "amazing" and the "American dream of economics today is in Israel." He humorously concluded by saying his move from media to politics was solely to appear on "HaPatriotim," urging the public to vote Likud.