Likud Lawmakers Criticize Netanyahu Over Reserved Knesset Seats

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Minister Haim Katz have agreed that Netanyahu will receive 10 reserved slots on the Likud party list for the upcoming Knesset elections. This decision has sparked anger among several Likud members of Knesset (MKs), who argue that it is unfair to candidates who have been actively campaigning in the primaries for over two years. MK Avichai Boaron expressed his frustration in private conversations, stating that reserving these slots undermines the efforts of long-standing contenders. Boaron also explained that he has communicated his opposition directly to Netanyahu and prefers not to air disagreements publicly, as the Prime Minister dislikes internal disputes being played out in the media.

Likud insiders estimate that Netanyahu will ultimately secure eight reserved seats up to the 38th position on the party list. Additionally, some MKs such as Keti Shitrit and Hava Eti Atiyah will be allowed to run in regional districts, improving their chances of election since they have little chance on the national list. This arrangement is expected to reduce opposition to the reserved slots from these MKs and from Haim Katz, smoothing the path for Netanyahu’s demands.

Another Likud MK, Oshrat Shkali, also voiced opposition to the reserved seats, calling eight reserved slots "unfair" to those who have served the party’s voters for years. Shkali likened the situation to a sports team where some changes are natural but argued that more than two reserved slots is excessive. The controversy highlights internal tensions within Likud as Netanyahu consolidates control over the party list ahead of the elections.