Journalist Sharon Gal to run on Yisrael Beytenu list
Gal: "a talented person and a true patriot who could contribute much to our public and parliamentary action," Liberman says.
By LAHAV HARKOVSharon Gal.(photo credit: COURTESY 102 FM)
Reporter Sharon Gal joined Yisrael Beytenu Sunday and is expected to get a realistic spot on the party’s list for the next Knesset.Gal, 40, hosts daily current events shows on Channel 20, Radio Tel Aviv and Galei Yisrael, the Judea and Samaria regional radio station, and started his own real-estate development company.Foreign Minister Avigdor Liberman said he is happy “Gal is taking part of a wave of support and high-quality people joining Yisrael Beytenu ahead of the upcoming election.”Liberman called Gal “a talented person and a true patriot who could contribute much to our public and parliamentary action.”The journalist made headlines this summer arguing with MK Haneen Zoabi (Balad) on his radio program after she said the kidnapping of three teens in Gush Etzion was not terrorism.Gal also hosted Channel 10’s “Economic Night” program from 2009-2013, during which he spoke out strongly against the 2011 social protests.Gal left his position at Channel 10 because he was being investigated for alleged sexual harassment, bullying of workers and unethical behavior. Police closed the case because of a lack of evidence.“I never hid my political views – as a member of the media, I always believed that the right thing to do is to put them on the table and let my viewers judge,” Gal said. “Yisrael Beytenu under Liberman’s leadership is a natural home for me, as far as my world view is concerned.”The reporter added that he has a lot of energy and determination for facing the upcoming race, saying he plans to work hard and not just repeat slogans.“I am sure that the great support and trust I received from my broad audience over 15 years of working in the press will follow me on this path, as well,” He stated.
The Yisrael Beytenu list for the Knesset is chosen by a selection committee. Liberman is not officially a member of the committee, but is thought to have a large influence on it. Gal is likely to get a high position on the party’s slate.January 10 is the last day for candidates to submit their names to the committee.The announcement of Gal’s candidacy came as senior figures in Yisrael Beytenu, including the party’s secretary-general and Deputy Interior Minister Faina Kirschenbaum, were under investigation for alleged corruption.Last week, another high-profile journalist entered politics, when Bayit Yehudi announced that Walla News editor-inchief Yinon Magal would have a reserved spot on the party’s list for the Knesset.There are at least 15 media professionals running for positions in the next Knesset, nine of whom are currently MKs.
