Netanyahu's Offer to Beid Sheva Mayor Rubik Danilovich Rejected

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reportedly offered Beer Sheva Mayor Rubik Danilovich a highly coveted spot on the Likud party list for the upcoming elections, aiming to secure his inclusion. The offer, extended on Sunday, included the third position on the list and a senior ministerial role, potentially as deputy prime minister. Netanyahu had previously sought Danilovich's entry into politics, but this latest proposal was described as particularly "tempting."

Internal polls, according to the report, indicated that Danilovich is a unifying and popular figure, making him an attractive candidate for Netanyahu's list. Despite initial consideration and requests to delay his decision, Danilovich ultimately declined the offer, providing a definitive negative response after being asked to reconsider.

Netanyahu has been actively recruiting prominent local authority leaders for the Likud slate, with other mayors like Haim Bibas of Modi'in-Maccabim-Re'ut and Beni Biton of Dimona also reportedly approached. However, these mayors, at this stage, are prioritizing their roles as unifying figures and have also responded negatively to such overtures.

In a previous interview in February, Danilovich acknowledged receiving past offers from Netanyahu for high positions, which he had also chosen to reject. He explained his approach to political engagement by stating that while he has never voted for Netanyahu, he also refuses to hate him, expressing significant personal respect for the Prime Minister's accomplishments.