1)
How could Eliyahu say that he was not Ocher Yisrael? His decree caused great hunger among them!
1.
Malbim: Since they transgressed Hashem's Mitzvos to serve idolatry, they are not Yisrael, rather, like Nochrim. You caused them to serve idolatry, so it was proper that rain and dew be withheld from them!
