Labor Court Rejects Yaakov Bardugo's Lawsuit Against IDF Radio Station Galatz

The Tel Aviv Regional Labor Court dismissed commentator Yaakov Bardugo's lawsuit against the IDF radio station Galatz, rejecting his claims of wrongful termination, political motives, and discrimination. The court ruled that Bardugo voluntarily ended his work following changes to the broadcast schedule, specifically the restructuring of the "Evening Diary" program. The station's management had offered him opportunities to continue hosting his show "Thoughts Ltd." and other time slots, but Bardugo announced his departure live on air and did not return.

The court found no evidence supporting Bardugo's allegations that his contract termination was politically motivated or influenced by then-Defense Minister Benny Gantz. It determined the schedule changes were based on professional and editorial considerations. Additionally, the court clarified that Bardugo was not an employee of Galatz but provided services through his own company, a status he chose over becoming a civilian IDF employee in 2016 due to his other engagements and restrictions on state employees.

Consequently, the court rejected all components of Bardugo's claim, including recognition of employment relations, compensation for wrongful dismissal, discrimination claims, and other payments. Bardugo was ordered to pay legal fees and court costs totaling 50,000 shekels, to be paid within 30 days of the verdict's delivery.