Netanyahu Held Secret Overnight Talks on Likud List Amid Wiretap Fears

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his aides conducted an all-night discussion regarding reserved spots on the Likud party's Knesset list, moving their operations to the party's headquarters in Or Yehuda out of concern for potential wiretaps at the Likud headquarters, known as "Zeev Fortress." The negotiations, which continued until the early morning hours, primarily involved Likud loyalist Yaakov Bardugo of Channel 14.

Bardugo initially demanded a top-ten position on the list and an assurance of the Justice Ministry portfolio. Netanyahu refused, initially offering him a spot in the second ten. After prolonged negotiations that lasted until the final announcement, Bardugo was "upgraded" to the 11th position. However, this came with the condition that no public promise of a ministerial role, particularly the Justice Ministry, would be made to him, reportedly to avoid conflict with current Justice Minister Yariv Levin.

Discussions also focused on increasing female representation on the list. Netanyahu deliberated over the candidacies of attorney Yisca Benaiah, Dr. Keren Assaf, and Yifat Ben-Haimovich. Assaf was initially photographed with Netanyahu for an announcement as a reserved candidate, only to be informed overnight that she would receive a promise of a ministerial role without a reserved spot on the list. Ben-Haimovich was removed from the reserved list at the last minute due to concerns about criticism stemming from her past testimony in Netanyahu's trial.

Ultimately, only one woman, Talik Guili, secured a reserved spot on the list, placed at number 9. The report highlighted the intense, behind-the-scenes maneuvering and last-minute changes that characterized the finalization of the Likud slate.