People close to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu have recently been weighing whether to reserve a spot for Haim Bibas, the chairman of the Local Government Center, and offer him a senior post in the next government, according to a report Tuesday evening on Kan News.
Likud officials believe Bibas would want the housing portfolio or another major ministry. The move fits Netanyahu's broader effort to bring into the party figures seen as more statesmanlike, businesslike, and professional.
Bibas is also leading a group of Likud municipal leaders who are pushing to cancel the party primaries, in line with Netanyahu's request. The report came alongside other Likud-related political developments, including a party spokesman's estimate that elections will be held on October 20.