Netanyahu Secures 10 Reserved Spots on Likud List, 8 in Top 25 for Upcoming Primaries

The Likud party is set to finalize a deal granting Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ten reserved spots on the party's Knesset candidate list, with eight of these positions within the top 25 slots. This agreement emerged from discussions between Netanyahu and Likud Central Committee Chairman Haim Katz, ahead of the party's primaries scheduled for August 4, 2026. The reserved spots, or "sharionim," are intended to secure Netanyahu's influence over the candidate list amid internal party competition.

Netanyahu initially demanded 11 reserved spots within the top 40 positions, including five within the top ten. The current proposal slightly reduces this number but still ensures significant placement for Netanyahu's allies. Alongside this, there may be a proposal to maintain most current list members in their existing positions through a regulating committee.

The talks took place at Katz's home as part of preparations for the upcoming primaries. Last week, the Likud Constitution Committee, chaired by Katz, confirmed the primary date and set the voter registry cutoff for July 7, 2026. This arrangement reflects ongoing efforts to balance party unity and Netanyahu's leadership ahead of the next elections.