Netanyahu Explores Adding Popular Mayor to Likud List

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's Likud party has explored the possibility of including the popular mayor of Beersheba, Rubik Danilovich, on its Knesset list, according to sources close to the prime minister. Danilovich was reportedly offered a high placement on the list.

Danilovich's office stated that the mayor does not comment on offers he has received. Danilovich, who previously left the Labor Party years ago, has spoken about changing his views and has recently called for national unity.

The consideration of Danilovich comes amid broader efforts by Netanyahu to recruit former IDF Chief of Staff and Foreign Minister Gabi Ashkenazi to the Likud list. Several prominent mayors associated with Likud have reportedly spoken with Ashkenazi recently, urging him to join the party as one of Netanyahu's protected candidates.

Ashkenazi is seen by Netanyahu's circle as a significant addition, potentially serving as the party's senior security figure during the election campaign. Efforts to recruit him have been ongoing, with renewed pressure applied as the deadline for finalizing party lists approaches.

Netanyahu's pursuit of Ashkenazi is not new. In the 2022 election cycle, an associate of Netanyahu reportedly offered Ashkenazi a protected spot on the Likud list with political prospects, which Ashkenazi declined. Past discussions between Netanyahu and Ashkenazi have also touched on security matters, with Ashkenazi claiming in 2020 that Netanyahu had offered him the position of Defense Minister.