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Ongoing Story· Day 33

Bardugo Refuses Channel 12 Interview Over 'Blood Libel' Against IDF Soldiers

3 developments

IcePolitics

Channel 12 Reporter Slams Ex-Broadcaster's Knesset Entry

Translated & summarized from Ice by baba

BusinessCharged tone

Hebrew · 1 newsroom

Channel 12 reporter Michal Activist publicly criticized former broadcaster Yaakov Bardugo's entry into the Knesset as a publicly funded role. Bardugo, now an MK for the Likud party, stated he was continuing his mission. Activist's comments sparked online debate, with journalist Yaki Adamker retorting by mentioning Arab party representatives. Bardugo, a former prominent right-wing media figure, left his media positions to run for the Knesset.

The story in 5 lines · by baba

  • Michal Activist criticized Yaakov Bardugo's entry into the Knesset on public funds.
  • Bardugo, a former broadcaster, is now a Likud party Member of Knesset.
  • Activist stated she works hard and questioned if her tax money is used worthily.
  • Journalist Yaki Adamker responded by mentioning Arab party representatives' salaries.
  • Bardugo previously held prominent media roles on the right before entering politics.

President Yitzhak Herzog officially tasked Gadi Eisenkot, chairman of the "Yisrael Beiteinu" party, with forming a new government on Sunday. Eisenkot has 28 days to present a coalition to the Knesset, with a possible 14-day extension. Amidst coalition talks, a public dispute erupted on social media concerning new lawmakers entering the Knesset. Welfare reporter for Channel 12 News, Michal Activist, ignited the controversy by sharing an Instagram video of former Channel 14 broadcaster Yaakov Bardugo, who secured the 11th spot on the Likud list and is now a Member of Knesset.

In the video from the Knesset Channel, Bardugo is seen arriving at the parliament, stating, "We are here to continue our mission." Activist sharply criticized Bardugo's entry into a publicly funded role, writing to her followers, "I can't believe this man will live off public funds... I work so hard, can't my tax money go to a worthy cause?"

Activist's strong criticism drew numerous responses online. Journalist Yaki Adamker shared a screenshot of Activist's post on X (formerly Twitter), taunting her by mentioning Arab party representatives: "Hey Michal Activist, since you're here, Tibi, Abbas, and Jabarin send their thanks for your hard work paying their salaries." Adamker's tweet quickly gained traction, reigniting public discussion about the attitude of reporters from major news outlets towards elected officials from the national camp compared to members of other factions.

Bardugo, long considered a prominent right-wing media figure and close to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, announced his departure from media roles, including hosting shows on Channel 14 and Radio Galey Israel, before the elections to run on the Likud list. His presence in the Knesset is expected to continue generating significant media interest and political friction.

IceOther · Tel Aviv

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