Likud Finalizes Knesset List Ahead of 2026 Election Deadline

The Likud party has submitted its final candidate list for the 2026 Knesset elections, hours before the official deadline on Tuesday evening. The list includes candidates selected through primaries alongside six "reserved" spots designated by party chairman and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Among Netanyahu's reserved placements are Tali Guili, mother of a fallen soldier, at number 9; reservist fighter Elisha Madan, who was severely wounded in Gaza, at number 15; and Itzik Bonzel, father of a fallen soldier and a leader of the "Forum of the Brave," at number 29. Media and legal figures were also included, such as Channel 14 host Yaakov Bardugo at number 11 and attorney David Peter at number 16. Eli Goldschmidt, a former Labor MK and Channel 14 panelist, was placed at number 26.

Two individuals initially slated for reserved spots withdrew their candidacies to potentially serve as external ministers. Businessman Oren Dobronsky relinquished his spot at number 11 due to his American citizenship, reportedly to serve as Minister for AI Affairs, allowing Bardugo to take the position. Brigadier General (Res.) Amir Avivi, founder of the "Habitachonistim" movement, declined his spot at number 35, with Netanyahu announcing he is expected to be an external minister.

A notable aspect of the final list is the limited representation of women within the top 24 slots, considered the most viable for election. Only three women secured spots in this range: current Minister Miri Regev at number 5, Tali Guili at number 9, and MK Eti Hava Atia at number 20. Minister Gila Gamliel was placed at number 25, and Keren Attias Boblil at number 34.

Prime Minister Netanyahu is expected to make a formal statement to the press later on Tuesday.