Eli Ohana Defends Netanyahu's Likud Picks Amidst Election Concerns

Former footballer Eli Ohana defended Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's reserved spots on the Likud party list, calling them "excellent" and expressing hope they would translate into election success. Speaking on 103FM radio, Ohana also addressed the criticism leveled against commentator Eyal Berkovich, comparing him to other journalists like Yair Lapid and Shelly Yachimovich who have also been perceived as partisan. Ohana suggested that Berkovich's critics were unfairly labeling him a "mouthpiece" while overlooking similar roles played by journalists aligned with the opposition.

Ohana further commented on Benny Gantz, suggesting Netanyahu should not fear his potential candidacy and even humorously offered Gantz the second spot on the Likud list. He indicated that Gantz might be acting out of a sense of betrayal after leaving the government, stating, "Maybe he's telling himself: They threw me under the bus - I'll show them."

In contrast, political analyst Barak Sari presented a more pessimistic view from within Likud. Sari reported that party insiders are expressing significant fear of electoral repercussions, with some believing the party is headed for a "blow" at the polls. He claimed that while Netanyahu promised eight reserved spots that would reshape the list, the actual selections did not meet internal expectations for high-profile figures.

Sari alleged that Netanyahu had sought to recruit prominent individuals like Yossi Cohen, Robi Dvir, and Moshe Kahlon, but they declined. He also noted widespread disappointment with the chosen candidates, with criticism directed at figures like Haim Katz, which Sari believes could deter voters. Sari suggested that some Likud members are withholding public criticism, possibly in anticipation of future appointments, referencing Netanyahu's past statement that "you don't win with a list like this."