Yaakov Bardugo explains: Why I left the air-conditioned studio for politics

Yaakov Bardugo, a former Channel 14 commentator who was recently placed in the Likud party, explains in an article published in 'Olam Katan' why he left the media and entered politics. He notes that Prime Minister Netanyahu's personal appeal and the upcoming elections, which he says will be among the most important in Israel's history, were the main factors. Bardugo emphasizes the need to move from external criticism to taking responsibility from within.

Yaakov Bardugo, a former Channel 14 commentator who was recently placed in the Likud party, published an article in 'Olam Katan' in which he explained for the first time his decision to leave the media world and enter politics. Bardugo opened with a question he heard repeatedly: 'Why would you do that?', and replied that the decision came following a personal appeal from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who told him he wanted him by his side in the next campaign not as an outside commentator but as an inside partner. According to him, the upcoming elections will be among the most important Israel has known, and the next term will focus on internal struggles over the character of the state, its Jewish identity, governance, the judicial system, and opposition to the establishment of a Palestinian state. Bardugo also addressed his political rival Gadi Eisenkot, clarifying that alongside respect for his military service, there is a deep disagreement on fundamental issues. He shared that his mother's passing in the past year strengthened his decision, as she taught him to contribute to the country and take responsibility. Bardugo concluded that after years of external criticism, he answered the prime minister's call and entered the decision-making room.