Full Breakdown
Gal Gadot Joins Election-Night Satire as Israelis Vote in 25th Knesset Race
By Drooid · · How we work
In this breakdown
01
Core Event
On election night for Israel’s 25th Knesset, Hollywood star Gal Gadot appeared in a two-part special of the Channel 12 comedy show Eretz Nehederet (Wonderful Country). The first half aired before the polls closed and the second after exit polls indicated an inconclusive result. In a sketch, Gadot steps into a cab driven by the program’s recurring character Asher, a blunt-talking taxi driver, and the pair discuss her return from a twelve-year stay abroad to cast a ballot. The broadcast blended humor with the nation’s suspense, featuring satirical portrayals of political leaders and campaign themes.
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Background & Context
The election, held to fill all 120 seats of the Knesset, was described as one of the most crucial in Israeli history, with a sharply divided electorate. More than 70,000 Israelis were reported to be returning from overseas to vote, underscoring the high stakes and the diaspora’s involvement.
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Key Figures & Groups
- Gal Gadot — Israeli-born actress known for the *Wonder Woman* films, returned to vote after nearly twelve years abroad.
- Asher — fictional cab driver on *Eretz Nehederet*, portrayed by Yuval Semo, who interacts with Gadot in the broadcast.
- Benjamin Netanyahu — incumbent prime minister, lampooned in sketches that referenced a controversial AI-generated image of Tel Aviv.
- Gadi Eisenkot — former chief of staff and head of the Yashar party, depicted as a wrestler-costumed opponent.
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Official Statements & Responses
Gadot told Asher that she had voted for an opposition party, though she did not disclose which one. She added that she often wears masks when out, a habit she said persisted from the pandemic era, and that she tries to give “context” to Americans about Israeli issues. Gadot also said she plans to move her husband and four daughters back to Israel and is building a house there. The show’s writers used the broadcast to satirize campaign promises, portraying party leaders in absurd wrestler costumes and staging a mock game show about reneging on coalition pledges.
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Verbatim Quotes
- “So, did you come back to vote? Or to be an artichoke on The Masked Singer?” — Asher
- “Tell me, how long have you been living abroad?” — Asher