Israeli Journalist Warns of Major Blow to Netanyahu's Likud Party

Journalist Barak Sari expressed significant concern on Thursday regarding Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's recent decisions within the Likud party, suggesting a potential "major blow" to the party's electoral prospects. Speaking on Radio 103fm, Sari stated that individuals placed in the third tier of the Likud's Knesset list are "very afraid." He characterized Netanyahu's choices as a compromise, moving from a desired "Premier League" lineup to a "fourth league," indicating dissatisfaction with the final slate.

Sari's criticism extended to Netanyahu's handling of security intelligence, referencing a Haaretz report alleging that the UAE provided a warning about Hamas leader Sinwar before the October 7th attacks, which Netanyahu allegedly dismissed. Sari vehemently accused Netanyahu of arrogance and deflection, stating, "This man mocked, scorned, and was indifferent to the whole story. Netanyahu, with your immense audacity, you ask 'Why wasn't I woken up?' For a year they tried to wake you up and you did nothing. With your immense audacity, you blame others. You are the primary one among the guilty, the responsible for the disaster. You are audacious to go and dare to accuse someone else."

Adding to the critical commentary, former minister Haim Ramon predicted that Netanyahu would not be the next prime minister.