Likud Members Outraged Over Discrepancy in Prime Minister's Reserved Knesset Slots

Internal dissent has erupted within the Likud party following the publication of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's reserved Knesset (parliament) slots. While Netanyahu revealed his chosen candidates, including Talik Guili, David Peter, Itzik Bonzel, and Yaakov Bardugo, the assigned positions have sparked anger among some party members. These members claim the published slot numbers do not align with the reserved positions agreed upon in a prior deal and approved by the Likud Central Committee.

According to disgruntled Likud sources, the reserved slots were promised to specific individuals based on an agreement and a Likud Central Committee vote, with the intended positions being 3, 5, 9, 11, 15, 18, 26, and 29. However, the party's official publication listed the reserved slots as 9, 11, 15, 16, 26, 29, and 35. These sources assert that the discrepancy was not an error in allocation to Netanyahu but rather a deviation from the agreed-upon spots for those who ran in the primaries and were placed on the national list.

Netanyahu, who also serves as Likud chairman, unveiled his reserved list for the 26th Knesset shortly before the deadline for list submissions. Notable additions include Talik Guili, mother of fallen officer Rani Guili; reservist fighter Elisha Medan; attorney David Peter, associated with the conservative legal camp; former MK Eli Goldschmidt; and media personality Yaakov Bardugo. These reserved candidates join Gideon Sa'ar and Chaim Katz, whose positions were already set, and Israel Katz, who received a special slot.

The internal conflict over these reserved seats is creating tension within Likud, as candidates placed in high positions can displace primary election winners, potentially impacting their chances of entering the Knesset. The dispute has already reached the Likud's internal court, with ongoing struggles concerning the reservation mechanism and the status of Israel Katz's allocated seat.