Netanyahu's Election Strategy Faces Setbacks with Key Candidates Declining

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is encountering significant challenges in finalizing the Likud party's candidate list for upcoming elections, with five of the eight spots he can personally fill remaining vacant just days before the deadline. A primary target, Ofer Winter, rejected offers to join Likud or participate in a joint list with Bezalel Smotrich and Moshe Feiglin, opting instead to lead his own party, "Am Yisrael," which he positions as a force of individuals not involved in the political system before October 7th.

Efforts to recruit other prominent figures have also faltered. Former Mossad chief Yossi Cohen and Gabi Ashkenazi were considered, but internal Likud research indicated their inclusion would not boost, and might even harm, the party's electoral prospects. Consequently, these candidates were dropped.

Netanyahu has so far only confirmed three appointments: Gidon Saar, Haim Katz, and tech sector representative Oren Dovronsky. Further complicating matters is the situation with Israel Katz, as internal party pressure mounts to include him among the reserved candidates. This move would free up a spot on the national list, potentially elevating other primary candidates like Ze'ev Elkin, whose position could improve to 24th, a scenario supported by some within Likud due to his influence among Russian-speaking voters.

The departure of Tali Gottlieb may also impact the rankings of Eti Atiya and Gila Gamliel. Netanyahu's final decisions on the remaining reserved slots are crucial for Amit Halevi and Avichay Boron, who are in vulnerable positions on the list. Some within Likud are urging Netanyahu not to fill all available spots merely to use the quota, suggesting that if strong candidates cannot be found, some positions should remain open to promote primary winners.

With the deadline looming, candidate names must be submitted to the secretariat 48 hours before a meeting. Netanyahu is expected to announce his final list on Sunday, leaving little time for internal disputes before submission to the Central Elections Committee.