Likud's Bardugo Slams President Herzog Over Mandate Decision

Yaakov Bardugo, a member of the Likud party's list, sharply criticized President Isaac Herzog, stating he has "no right" to grant the mandate to form a government to someone lacking a Jewish majority. Bardugo made these remarks during an interview with Noam Amir, where he also addressed the controversy surrounding alleged vote rigging, the potential for election result manipulation, and the opposition's efforts to form a government.

Bardugo described the alleged involvement of Qatar and vote-buying schemes for Arab parties as a "first-rate security threat," equating it to a continuation of the October 7th attacks. He argued that these actions aim for a hostile takeover of Israel's Knesset and democracy, calling it "much worse than terrorism" and an attempt to influence "the holiest thing we have."

He accused elements within the law enforcement system of trying to downplay the severity of the affair, despite a judge's order to the Shin Bet chief to fully investigate foreign interference in election funding. Bardugo called for a halt to the submission of party lists and the opening of the Knesset session until the investigation concludes, stating that those who "polluted Israeli society must pay."

Addressing the election results, Bardugo asserted that the Likud and the right-wing bloc achieved a significant victory, despite what he called a "well-oiled machine" of media outlets manipulating public opinion. He dismissed the opposition's claims of success, highlighting that the Likud is the largest party and the pro-Netanyahu bloc is the largest Jewish bloc by a wide margin.

Bardugo rejected the possibility of the "change bloc" forming a government without the support of Arab parties, warning that Gadi Eisenkot had "failed miserably" and could not form a coalition without relying on parties like Ra'am and the Joint List. He stated that a large segment of the public would not allow Arab parties to determine the fate of IDF soldiers or national security policy after October 7th.

Concluding his remarks, Bardugo urged President Herzog to transfer the mandate to Benjamin Netanyahu, whom he described as the most experienced leader who has proven himself, eliminated adversaries, and established Israel as a global power. He believes Netanyahu is the right person to form the right-wing government Israel needs.