Netanyahu's 'Armored Placements' in Likud List Criticized as Ineffective

The Likud party's internal debate over "armored placements", reserved spots on the electoral list, has concluded, with the author criticizing the final lineup ahead of the elections. The author argues that while the individuals chosen are often personally respectable, the placements fail to serve their intended purposes.

Traditionally, these reserved spots are meant to either inject experienced figures with policy expertise into the party or bring in "electoral stars" to boost the campaign and appeal to new demographics. The author contends that Netanyahu's current selections achieve neither goal. Few possess significant experience in legislation, policy-making, or public administration, and their national public profiles are generally low, limiting their campaign impact, with the exception of Yaakov Bardugo.

The article contrasts these placements with past examples, like sports stars such as Eli Ohana or Tal Brody, who, while not ideal, at least represented national symbols with potential political weight. The current selections are seen as lacking even that potential.

Furthermore, the author dismisses the idea that these placements are strategic responses to political arguments, such as adding a hostage's mother to counter protests or a wounded soldier to counter reservist activism. The piece argues that an electoral list is not a messaging tool, and candidates should not be used to score political points in identity politics.

The author also highlights the negative consequences of these placements, primarily that they displace qualified candidates chosen through the Likud's democratic primary process. This, the article states, weakens the party by pushing aside potentially strong contenders and benefits party insiders. The author suggests that the large number of placements this time was particularly problematic, requiring Netanyahu to make deals with certain party factions, which ultimately may have harmed the primary process itself.