Netanyahu Finalizes Likud List Amid Political Turmoil and Security Concerns

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu unveiled the new additions to the Likud party's Knesset list on Tuesday, September 8, 2026, in Jerusalem. The event occurred amidst significant political and security developments. Earlier that day, a report emerged from the newspaper "Haaretz" alleging that UAE President Mohammed bin Zayed had warned Netanyahu in September 2023 about Hamas's intentions. Netanyahu vehemently denied this, calling it a "complete lie" and stating there was no recording of such a conversation. This alleged warning, if true and ignored, could have severe political consequences for Netanyahu.

Adding to the day's challenges, Western nations announced restrictions on trade with West Bank settlements. Internally, the Likud party experienced turmoil during a secretariat meeting preceding the candidate presentation. A notable incident involved David Bitan refusing to shake hands with Defense Minister Israel Katz, leading to a verbal altercation with other secretariat members.

Netanyahu has been working to consolidate the right-wing bloc ahead of the upcoming elections, attempting to merge smaller parties and sideline rivals. While he achieved some success, such as facilitating a joint list for Bezalel Smotrich and Moshe Feiglin, other efforts faltered. Figures like Gilad Erdan and Yuli Edelstein were removed from contention, and attempts to recruit former IDF General Ofer Winter, Yoaz Hendel, and Yaron Zehlikah were unsuccessful. Avi Maoz also insisted on running separately.

Among the new candidates presented are tech entrepreneur Oren Dobronsky, who seeks a ministerial position, and political commentator Yaakov Bardugo, whose aggressive rhetoric has drawn criticism from within Likud. Netanyahu also promised ministerial roles to reserve Brigadier General Amir Avivi and Dr. Keren Assaf, who were not placed in winnable Knesset spots. Talik Guili, mother of a fallen soldier, was placed ninth on the list. Reserve fighter Elisha Medan, who lost both legs in combat, was placed eleventh, with Netanyahu calling him an inspiration. Lawyer David Peter, representing Netanyahu and Likud in the High Court, was placed sixteenth.

Other additions include Eli Goldschmidt, a former Labor Party figure who has shifted to the right, and Itzik Bonzel, father of a fallen soldier, placed at twenty-ninth. Goldschmidt's inclusion generated significant excitement among some Likud members, despite his earlier criticisms of Netanyahu. Bonzel, who had previously threatened not to vote for Likud if Goldschmidt was included, stated he would follow Netanyahu's decisions.