Likud Considers Eli Ohana for High Spot on Upcoming Knesset List

As the Likud party prepares its candidate list for the upcoming Knesset elections, discussions are underway about including Eli Ohana, a former Beitar Jerusalem star and Israeli national team player now known as a right-wing media figure, in a prominent position. According to Channel 12, Likud officials are exploring this possibility and may offer Ohana a high placement on the party list. Ohana responded that he has no comment until an official offer is made.

Ohana previously attempted to enter politics about 11 years ago when he was granted a reserved spot on the Jewish Home party list led by Naftali Bennett, a move that sparked public controversy and was ultimately canceled. Meanwhile, plans to reserve a spot for Talik Goili, mother of Rani Goili who was killed and whose body was abducted to Gaza on October 7, appear to have been dropped.

Initially, there was talk of allocating eight reserved slots for Netanyahu, but current estimates suggest fewer will be available. Confirmed reserved spots include Gideon Sa'ar from the New Hope faction, and two others for Bezalel Smotrich and Itamar Ben-Gvir, as Netanyahu aims to run them jointly. Another reserved slot is expected for Eti Atiya, close to the Likud chairman. This leaves Netanyahu with only four remaining reserved spots to allocate.