Netanyahu Seeks Popular Mayor and Ex-General for Likud Election List

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is reportedly attempting to recruit the popular mayor of Beersheba, Rubik Danilovich, and former IDF Chief of Staff Gabi Ashkenazi to join the Likud party's electoral slate. Political sources close to Netanyahu revealed that the possibility of reserving a high-ranking position on the Likud list for Danilovich is being explored. Danilovich, who left the Labor party years ago and has recently advocated for national unity, has not commented on any offers he has received.

This effort to bring Danilovich into the ruling party, shortly before candidate lists are finalized, is occurring concurrently with Netanyahu's push to include Gabi Ashkenazi. Ashkenazi, a former IDF chief and foreign minister, is seen by Netanyahu's circle as a significant asset for the Likud list, particularly as a credible figure in the security sphere for the upcoming elections. Several prominent mayors associated with Likud have recently engaged with Ashkenazi, urging him to accept Netanyahu's offer.

Netanyahu's attempts to recruit Ashkenazi have been ongoing, with renewed pressure now applied as lists are being finalized. This is not the first time Netanyahu has sought to bring the former military leader into Likud; in 2022, a businessman close to Netanyahu offered Ashkenazi a spot, which he declined. In 2020, Ashkenazi publicly stated that Netanyahu had offered him the position of defense minister.