Likud Faces Internal Dispute Over Netanyahu's Reserved List Spots

The Likud party's internal court is set to convene today to decide whether a vote on Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's reserved Knesset list spots will be conducted secretly or openly. The party is in its final hours before list submission deadlines, with two new reserved candidates announced: Talik Guili, widow of the late Ran Guili, and Elyashiv Medan, son of Rabbi Yaakov Medan. Guili is presented as a symbol of strength and commitment to Israel, having carried her husband's memory and promoted his values. Medan, recognized for his military service and recovery, embodies dedication and love for the country, offering the Likud a religious-nationalist and combat-hero representation.

Sources within Likud suggest a compromise will be reached, allowing Netanyahu to reserve several key spots while also accommodating some elected members. The party has noted a "flawed procedure" in recent years where secretariat decisions were made via phone approvals, bypassing proper discussion. The court's intervention aims to ensure a face-to-face debate on Netanyahu's reserved candidates, allowing secretariat members to voice concerns and potentially influence the final list.

Netanyahu faced a deadline from the court to reveal his reserved candidates by 9 PM yesterday, following a petition by MK David Bitan. He failed to meet this deadline, leading to the court's intervention. While the court has previously affirmed Netanyahu's authority to reserve spots, the current dispute centers on the process of approval and the time allotted for members to review and vote on the names.

Adding to the complexity, Oren Dubronsky, initially slated for a reserved spot, has opted out to pursue a ministerial role in artificial intelligence should a new government be formed. Several other potential candidates have also reportedly declined Netanyahu's offers, complicating his strategy to refresh the party's image and appeal to broader demographics. The delay in finalizing these reserved spots also allows Netanyahu to strategically assess the political landscape and tailor his choices to counter emerging electoral challenges.

The internal struggle over reserved seats highlights an ongoing tension within Likud between elected members and Netanyahu's strategic appointments. The court's decision at 11 AM will address the voting method, potentially impacting the outcome. The subsequent secretariat meeting will determine if Netanyahu's proposals are approved as is or if last-minute changes occur due to pressure from elected officials and the ensuing debate.