Eli Ohana Admits Potential Election Loss in Bet with Barak Sari

Just five days before the elections, Eli Ohana has conceded that he might lose a bet with Barak Sari, though he still believes the right-wing bloc will secure a majority. The two discussed retired Major General Ofer Winther, criticism against him, and emerging doubts within the Likud party.

Sari reminded Ohana of their bet, stating that polls favor him. Ohana admitted, "I think I'm going to lose. What can you do? A few months ago, I said the right would win 66 seats and you said there was no chance. We bet on it. I still stand by the right getting a majority." Sari then offered to cancel the original bet, proposing a new one where Ohana predicts 62 seats for the right-wing bloc, while Sari predicts at least 10 fewer seats.

Ohana expressed surprise at Sari's new prediction, suggesting it was unfair for him to set the numbers. Sari elaborated on his prediction, estimating around 57-59 seats for the "change bloc" and significantly fewer for Netanyahu's bloc, citing higher Arab voter turnout and the joint list of Hadash-Ta'al. He also alluded to skepticism about pollster predictions, particularly those showing a large lead for Likud, calling them "illogical."

Ohana also commented on Ofer Winther's party, which is nearing the electoral threshold, criticizing his political inexperience. "Ofer Winther needs to do some soul-searching before the elections. He might have been a great commander, a great soldier, but only when he announced... I told you I didn't like his conduct in that sense, he lacks modesty... Politics requires knowing how to do it. Likud might have also erred in going after him, but Ofer Winther led to this with all his statements and talk. He lacks political experience."

Regarding a slogan used by Likud, "Either Right or Palestine," Ohana clarified that it was not directed at Winther, stating, "I have no doubt he doesn't think Winther is Palestine." Sari then quoted Winther's response to criticism from Minister Shlomo Karai: "To what depths have you sunk, Likud? To what depths have you sunk, Shlomo Karai? I am a Major General in the most demanding roles, you call me Palestine?" Ohana added that the slogan was also applied to former IDF Chief of Staff, and that Winther was responding to Likud's attacks during the election campaign.