Netanyahu Names Seven New Reserved Slots in Likud Party List

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced on Tuesday, September 8, the addition of seven new candidates who will receive reserved spots on the Likud party's electoral list. Among them are Elisha Madan, a reservist and co-founder of the Avigayil settlement near the Hebron Hills, who lost both legs during combat in Gaza; Talik Gvili, mother of Staff Sergeant Rani Gvili, the last hostage whose body was returned from Gaza in January 2026; attorney David Peter, a researcher for the Kohelet Forum who represented the government in the Supreme Court; retired Brigadier General Amir Avivi, chairman of the "Bitachonistim" movement; former Labor Party faction leader Eli Goldschmidt; Netanyahu confidant and broadcaster Yaakov Bardugo; and Itzik Bunzel, father of Amit Bunzel, who died in the "Swords of Iron" war. Talik Gvili will take the 9th spot, followed by Yaakov Bardugo at 11th, Elisha Madan at 15th, David Peter at 16th, Eli Goldschmidt at 26th, Itzik Bunzel at 29th, and Amir Avivi at 35th.

The Likud party highlighted Talik Gvili's resilience and her son Rani's heroism, noting he died fighting on October 7th and was the last hostage returned. The party also mentioned David Peter's legal background and his representation of the government and Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir. Elisha Madan, who lost his legs in combat and lit a torch on Independence Day in 2025, was described as a symbol of strength. Amir Avivi, a former senior IDF officer and founder of the "Bitachonistim" movement, supports Netanyahu's security policies. Yaakov Bardugo, a close associate of Netanyahu, is also included despite some internal opposition. Itzik Bunzel, whose son Amit was killed in Gaza, has become a prominent advocate for the families of fallen soldiers.

Separately, high-tech entrepreneur Oren Dobronsky, initially offered a top spot, declined to run for Knesset but will join Likud's team as a professional minister for artificial intelligence. Meanwhile, Religious Zionism party chairman Bezalel Smotrich recruited retired Major General Yossi Bachar, a hero of the October 7th battles and former deputy commander of the Southern Command, to join his party, though he is not expected to seek a Knesset seat.