Likud Campaign Insiders Criticize Pollster Shlomo Filber, Denials Issued

Senior figures within the Likud campaign reportedly leveled sharp criticism against the party's pollster, Shlomo Filber, during a closed-door meeting, according to a report in Haaretz. The campaign insiders allegedly claimed that Filber's polls were inaccurate, failed to provide a true picture of the situation on the ground, and led to flawed decision-making during the campaign. The report suggests that the Likud relied on Filber's surveys, which indicated the bloc would secure 59 to 60 seats, influencing strategic choices. Sources within the campaign reportedly expressed disappointment with his findings and a perceived gap between his polls and the actual election results.

The Likud vehemently denied the reports, labeling them "complete fake news." In an official response, the party stated, "We are proud to win and work with the most accurate pollster in Israel." Concurrently, Yonatan Urich, an advisor to the Prime Minister and a Likud strategy manager, launched a strong attack against the publication and Haaretz correspondent Michael Hauser-Tov. Urich asserted, "I worked shoulder to shoulder with Shlomo Filber, who provided us with critical conclusions that led to the Likud's victory against all odds. We were in close contact with additional advisors in Israel and abroad who confirmed his conclusions." Urich clarified that claims of unnamed senior figures were untrue and emphasized the continued engagement with the pollster, stating, "The results speak for themselves, and as far as I'm concerned, Filber will be the one working with us in the next campaign as well. Good luck to Shlomo Filber, who beat everyone."