Netanyahu Weighs Reserving a Likud Slot for Journalist Natali Shem Tov

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has been holding discussions about reserving a place on the Likud slate for journalist Natali Shem Tov, according to a report aired Thursday evening on Kan News. Shem Tov, a former reporter for Channels 12 and 13, lives in Metula and was evacuated from her home because of the war.

People close to Netanyahu said the offer has been raised with Shem Tov more than once, but she has not yet given a final answer. Other sources said the issue has come up in Netanyahu’s discussions, but has not advanced beyond that stage. Neither Shem Tov nor Likud has commented publicly.

Kan News recently reported that Netanyahu is also examining reservations for former finance minister Moshe Kahlon, Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar, and Modi'in-Maccabim-Re'ut Mayor and Local Government Center chairman Haim Bibas. According to Likud sources, Netanyahu is expected to seek eight or nine reserved slots on the Knesset list, including three in the top ten, two in the second ten, and at least three more in the third ten.

The broader backdrop is that Netanyahu has already decided Likud will hold primaries, even as MKs remain concerned about how the list will be shaped.