Likud Court Issues Ultimatum to Netanyahu on Knesset List

The Likud party's internal court issued an ultimatum to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Monday, demanding the swift publication of the party's reserved Knesset list for the 26th Knesset. The court stated that "it is appropriate for the reserved list proposal to be published quickly," warning that failure to do so could be interpreted as an "improper maneuver."

In a stern warning, the court indicated that if the list is not published by 9:00 PM that evening, the judges would consider approving a secret ballot within the Likud secretariat. This ultimatum arises amid escalating tensions within the party concerning the reserved spots on the list.

Netanyahu has been engaged in a series of meetings regarding the candidates for these reserved positions, reportedly delaying a Likud secretariat meeting to maintain flexibility. Among the names considered for a reserved spot is attorney David Peter, who has represented the government and ministers in High Court proceedings. Another potential candidate is Dr. Keren Assaf, for whom Netanyahu had already filmed a promotional video, though her final role is still under consideration. Yifat Ben-Haim and others are also reportedly on the list.

In recent days, Netanyahu attempted to recruit prominent mayors for the Likud list. He offered Beersheba Mayor Rubik Danilovich the third spot on the list, a senior ministerial position, and the role of deputy prime minister. This offer followed internal polls identifying Danilovich as a popular and unifying figure, but he ultimately refused. Netanyahu's efforts to recruit other mayors, including Modi'in Mayor Chaim Bibas and Dimona Mayor Beni Biton, have also been unsuccessful thus far.