Netanyahu Delays Likud List Decisions Amid Right-Wing Bloc Uncertainty

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has yet to finalize the reserved spots on the Likud party's Knesset list, maintaining flexibility until the last moment. He is engaged in a series of meetings and consultations regarding potential candidates, with some candidate videos already filmed. The decision is partly contingent on the evolving situation within the right-wing bloc, as Netanyahu awaits clarity on whether he will need to use his reserved slots to facilitate mergers between right-wing parties or if he can allocate them to Likud candidates without such considerations.

Among the individuals reportedly being considered for reserved spots are former IDF General Gal Hirsch, former footballer Eli Ohana, attorney David Peter, Dr. Keren Assayag, and Yifat Ben-Haim Sagiv. Netanyahu has reportedly filmed a video with Assayag but is considering another role for her within the party. Other names mentioned include Itzik Bonzel and Rubi Davidovitch.

Netanyahu postponed a Likud secretariat meeting to preserve his flexibility. While decisions are pending, some candidate videos have already been produced. Taliq Gwili reportedly gave a final negative response to a reserved spot offer. Moshe Kahlon and Gabi Ashkenazi also definitively declined offers for reserved positions on the Likud list.

If agreements are reached soon, Netanyahu may issue a statement as early as this evening.