Netanyahu Unveils Likud Knesset List After Primary Battles and Reserved Slots

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has finalized and presented the Likud party's list for the 26th Knesset, following contentious primaries that saw veteran lawmakers displaced from viable positions. The list includes several "reserved slots" designated by Netanyahu, which have been approved by the Likud secretariat.

Among the notable additions are Talik Guili, mother of fallen soldier Ran Guili, placed at number 9, and Channel 14 commentator Yaakov Bardugo, a Netanyahu confidant, at number 11. Elisha Medan, a reservist fighter and co-founder of the Avigail settlement in the Hebron Hills who was severely wounded in the war, is at number 15, followed by attorney David Peter, a Channel 14 panelist, at number 16. Eli Goldschmidt, a former Labor MK who stated he underwent an ideological shift after the October 7th massacre, is placed at number 26. Yitzik Bonzel, father of fallen soldier Amit Bonzel, is at number 29.

The allocation of reserved seats had caused significant internal friction within the Likud for weeks, with incumbent MKs concerned about being pushed to non-realistic spots on the list. Netanyahu had insisted on refreshing the party's ranks, though he faced refusals from potential candidates he approached, including Gabi Ashkenazi, Moshe Kahlon, and Rubi Danielovitch.

Some initially designated reserved candidates ultimately did not make the final list. High-tech entrepreneur Oren Dubronsky, initially announced as Netanyahu's first reserved candidate, withdrew after reportedly seeking a ministerial position and indicating he would not relinquish his U.S. citizenship, a requirement for Knesset members. Brigadier General (res.) Amir Aviv, whose reserved spot was also announced, similarly chose to forgo the offered position.