MK Merav Ben Ari Criticizes Netanyahu’s Appointment of Oren Dovronsky to Likud List

Merav Ben Ari, a member of the Knesset from the Yesh Atid party, sharply criticized Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and the Likud party for reserving a top spot on their election list for Oren Dovronsky, a high-tech entrepreneur. Dovronsky, known for his work in Silicon Valley and as a panelist on the Israeli show "The Sharks," was appointed by Netanyahu to the 11th position on the Likud list, a slot Netanyahu personally controls. He is expected to focus on advancing artificial intelligence initiatives if elected.

Ben Ari’s criticism focused on Dovronsky’s Ashkenazi background and his life abroad, contrasting it with the treatment she claims to have received from Likud members over the years due to her Mizrahi heritage and political shift to Yesh Atid. She accused the Likud party of exploiting Mizrahi voters while showing contempt for them, stating, "There has never been a party more exploitative of Mizrahim than Likud, hugging them on the street, making videos with them in the market, and then spitting in their face."

Her remarks came shortly after Netanyahu announced Dovronsky’s appointment, highlighting tensions within Israeli politics regarding ethnic representation and party loyalty. Ben Ari also referenced personal attacks she endured from Likud figures, accusing them of hypocrisy and subservience to Netanyahu. The controversy arises as Likud prepares its candidate list ahead of upcoming elections, with Dovronsky being the first candidate Netanyahu has personally placed through his reserved slots.

This dispute underscores ongoing debates in Israeli politics about ethnic identity, political patronage, and the strategic use of reserved list positions by party leaders.