Likud Considers Former Football Star Eli Ohana for Top Spot in Upcoming Elections

The Likud party is exploring the possibility of including Eli Ohana, a former football star and political commentator, in a prominent reserved spot on its candidate list for the upcoming elections. Ohana, known for his association with right-wing politics in recent years, responded to the reports by stating he has no comment as no official approach has been made yet.

This is not Ohana's first political involvement; 11 years ago, he was offered a reserved spot on the Jewish Home party list led by Naftali Bennett, but the plan sparked controversy and was ultimately abandoned. Meanwhile, the reserved spot initially considered for Tali Guaily, mother of the late Rani Guaily whose body was kidnapped to Gaza, appears to have been dropped.

Likud is currently debating how to allocate its reserved spots on the list. Initially, eight spots were expected for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, but this number has likely decreased. Confirmed reserved spots include Gideon Sa'ar from New Hope and two others for Bezalel Smotrich and Itamar Ben-Gvir, as Netanyahu has not given up on uniting them. Another reserved spot is expected for Eti Atiya, an associate of the Likud Central Committee chairman. Netanyahu reportedly has four reserved spots left to fill, though it remains unclear how they will be assigned, especially given the uncertain security situation which may affect whether primaries are held at all.