Bardugo denies Ben-Gvir claims, slams "cannibalism" in right

The internal confrontation within the right-wing bloc reached a new peak as political analyst Yaakov Bardugo issued a categorical denial of reports attributed to him in the media. In an interview with Channel 14, Bardugo flatly rejected claims that he had stated he would not rule out a joint government with Yesh! party chairman Gadi Eisenkot, while directing an accusatory finger at National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir.

"First of all, let's set the record straight," Bardugo opened. "The lies that Itamar Ben-Gvir is spreading deserve total condemnation. And I told him that yesterday explicitly. His spin doctors, the cannibalism he is doing within the right-wing bloc, deserves total condemnation."

When asked which channels published the reports, Channel 7 was mentioned, and Bardugo responded: "I suggest to all these websites that to a large extent Itamar Ben-Gvir is feeding them, to listen very carefully to what was actually said." According to him, those who spread the claims acted with shocking disrespect.

When asked explicitly whether it was true that he did not say he would rule out a government with Eisenkot, Bardugo answered decisively: "Absolutely. And I will clarify this in the clearest way possible."

The plan: first of all, a right-wing government

Bardugo detailed in the interview the political plan that according to him should be followed after the elections: "A right-wing government will be formed. Basic principles will be established... first of all a right-wing government, first of all basic principles."

Regarding the question of adding additional parties or individuals after the government is formed, including Eisenkot, Bardugo clarified the rule that according to him should guide the move: "Afterwards, if someone wants to join... anyone who wants to join the government afterwards can, based on the basic principles." He emphasized that this applies to "anyone," and added that the basic principles will be determined by the components of the right-wing government.

Avigdor Liberman in an interview at Kikar Hashabat studio

In conclusion, Bardugo emphasized that he is not backing down from the sharp criticism he has leveled at Eisenkot more than once. "I'm not 'normalizing' Eisenkot... in gentle words, I didn't spare him my lashes throughout that entire recording yesterday, absolutely not."

The confrontation comes against the backdrop of ongoing tensions between Ben-Gvir and other elements in the right-wing bloc. Several days ago, Ben-Gvir claimed that the Prime Minister's Office had conveyed a commitment to European Union countries not to include him in the next government, a claim that Netanyahu firmly denied.

Meanwhile, Yashar chairman Gadi Eisenkot and Yisrael Beiteinu chairman Avigdor Liberman met and agreed to continue cooperation ahead of the elections, with the goal of replacing the current government.