Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Minister Haim Katz held a focused meeting on reserved seats as Likud prepares its Knesset slate. So far, the two have not reached agreement on the final number of reserved spots in the list.
According to an i24NEWS report, several options were raised in the talks, including merging the Dan and Tel Aviv districts and combining the Jerusalem district with Judea and Samaria. Another idea under review would let incumbent female MKs compete for the slot reserved for women on the list.
Katz is said to be promoting that move, apparently in an effort to strengthen MK Eti Attia’s position and ensure she remains included in the slate. At the same time, people close to Katz say they fear future appointments that Yair Netanyahu may push could alter internal balances and weaken Katz and his allies in the Likud Central Committee.
Despite the internal disagreements and tensions around the list-making process, people involved in the talks say they remain optimistic. A source familiar with the meeting and negotiations said the party is not expected to reach a situation requiring a steering committee, and that the discussions will continue until an agreement is reached.
