Channel 12 analyst reveals prime minister personally offered top Likud slot and ministerial role in stunning behind-the-scenes political maneuver.
In a revelation that sent ripples through Israel’s political and media spheres, Amit Segal, chief political analyst for Channel 12 News, disclosed that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu personally offered him a senior position on the Likud electoral slate ahead of the last elections.
According to Segal, the meeting took place approximately three years ago at Metzudat Ze’ev in Tel Aviv, then serving as Likud headquarters. At the time, Netanyahu was leader of the opposition and preparing for a fierce electoral battle.
Segal recounted that Netanyahu initially proposed placing him in the 14th slot on the Likud list for the Knesset. As a veteran political journalist deeply familiar with coalition arithmetic and electoral strategy, Segal said he immediately understood the political calculation behind the offer.
He explained that the move was tied to competition over religious-nationalist voters and broader positioning within the right-wing bloc. The same offer, he noted, had previously been extended to another public figure who declined.
Segal said he rejected the proposal, thanking Netanyahu but making clear that a political career did not appeal to him.
However, the story did not end there.
Later that evening, Segal received a direct WhatsApp call from Netanyahu. The prime minister informed him that after further consideration, the offer had been significantly upgraded. Instead of the 14th slot, Netanyahu proposed placing Segal in the fourth position on the Likud list, effectively guaranteeing entry into the Knesset and offering any ministerial portfolio he desired.
Segal once again declined.
According to his account, Netanyahu responded with a pointed remark, warning that he might regret turning down the opportunity.
The disclosure offers a rare glimpse into high-level political recruitment efforts ahead of national elections and highlights Netanyahu’s willingness to bring prominent media voices directly into the political arena in pursuit of strategic advantage.
