Netanyahu's New Likud Candidates Are 'Bibiists,' Not Likud Loyalists, Says Analyst
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has sparked significant public and media discussion following the announcement of new candidates, referred to as 'reservists,' joining the Likud party list. These individuals include Elisha Medan, a reservist combat soldier and founder of the Avigail settlement in the Hebron region who was injured during the war; Tali Guili, mother of fallen soldier Rani Guili; attorney David Peter, a researcher at the Kohelet Forum who represented the government in the Supreme Court; Amir Avivi, chairman of the 'Bithonistim' movement; former Labor faction chairman Eli Goldschmidt; journalist Yaakov Bardugo; and Itzik Bonzel, father of fallen soldier Amit.
Amnon Abramovich, political commentator for Channel 12 News, criticized these appointments during a television appearance, suggesting they are not intended for the long-term benefit of the Likud party but rather to bolster Netanyahu's personal support. Abramovich stated, "These reservists are not for Likud, they are for Netanyahu. They are not Likudniks, they are Bibiists. He needs them for one purpose only: to promote him until the elections on October 27th. After that, he has no interest in them, and some of them will have no interest in the Knesset."
Abramovich also commented on two specific appointments, businessman Oren Dobronsky and Amir Avivi. He noted that Netanyahu had approached several respected individuals who refused to join, implying that their refusal reflects poorly on those who accepted. Regarding Dobronsky, Abramovich mentioned that Netanyahu's offer was contingent on Dobronsky not relinquishing his American citizenship, suggesting this indicates a preference for individuals with dual citizenship and wealth. "Netanyahu has a weakness for people who meet two conditions: millionaires and billionaires and those with American citizenship," Abramovich said.
Discussing Amir Avivi, Abramovich explained that Avivi was initially offered the 35th spot on the list, which he refused. Netanyahu then proposed appointing him as an "external minister," implying that the party would secure enough seats for such a position. Abramovich concluded that Netanyahu is not recruiting candidates for the Likud list but for his own personal list, emphasizing the loyalty is to 'Bibi' rather than the party itself.
