Likud Party Finalizes Knesset List Amid Internal Disputes

The Likud party announced its updated list of candidates for the upcoming Knesset elections, including several new additions to its reserved slots. Among the notable new "shielded" candidates are Talik Guili, placed at number 9, who is the mother of a fallen soldier and Hamas hostage victim; Yaakov Bardugo, a Channel 14 commentator and attorney, at number 11; and Elisha Medan, a reserve soldier who lost his legs in combat in Gaza, at number 15. Other additions include attorney David Peter (16), former Labor MK Eli Goldschmidt (26), Itzik Bonzel (29), father of a fallen soldier, and retired Brigadier General Amir Aviv (35), founder of the 'Security Guard' movement.

The party faced a deadline for submitting its list, which was extended after a High Court petition by MK David Bitan argued that the shielded candidates' names were not published in advance, violating previous court decisions requiring a 48-hour review period for secretariat members. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, as Likud chairman, submitted the revised list on Tuesday morning.

The inclusion of these candidates, particularly Bardugo and Goldschmidt, drew criticism from the "Yashar!" party led by Gadi Eisenkot. A statement from Yashar! accused Likud of "distributing spoils and rewards for blind loyalty" and prioritizing those who foster division and falsehoods over public service, integrity, or Israel's security.

In other party news, the National Religious Party announced the addition of Major General (res.) Yossi Bachar, a hero of the October 7th battles, and Lieutenant Colonel (res.) Itamar Itam, a disabled IDF veteran and educator. Shas also finalized its list, with Major (res.) Dror David Amos securing the sixth position. Oren Dobronsky confirmed he would not join the national list but was offered a ministerial position focusing on AI, declining due to potential tax implications from his dual US-Israeli citizenship.