Netanyahu Considers Reserving Knesset Spot for Former Footballer Eli Ohana in Likud

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is reportedly considering reserving a spot for Eli Ohana, a legendary former football player, on the Likud party list for the upcoming Knesset elections. This move marks another political involvement for Ohana, whose name has surfaced in Israeli politics before. In January 2015, ahead of the 20th Knesset elections, the Jewish Home party, led by Naftali Bennett, announced it would reserve a seat for Ohana. However, this decision sparked significant criticism from both religious and secular party activists due to Ohana's lack of public or political experience. Following the backlash, Ohana withdrew from the Jewish Home list, citing the unexpected public uproar. Later, in September 2018, Ohana joined Ze'ev Elkin's list for the Jerusalem mayoral race in a representative capacity, but Elkin was not elected. Currently, Eli Ohana works as a sports commentator, broadcaster, and host on Sport 5 channel. Further details about Netanyahu's consideration are expected to emerge as the elections approach.