Netanyahu Presses Likud Leaders for More Reserved Seats Ahead of August Primaries

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is intensifying efforts to secure a larger number of reserved spots on the Likud party list ahead of the upcoming Knesset elections. On Monday morning, he visited the home of Likud Central Committee Chairman Minister Haim Katz to persuade him to approve an increased quota of reserved seats for Netanyahu himself. According to a report by Channel 13, Netanyahu conveyed to senior Likud members that "this list will not bring government," emphasizing the need to refresh the party with new and excellent candidates. A senior Likud official explained that Netanyahu's message stresses the importance of introducing new blood to the party ranks.

Last month, Netanyahu proposed canceling the party primaries once and transferring the power to select the list to the party conference, fearing that primaries might elevate candidates he finds undesirable. This proposal sparked discontent among list members and local leaders. Likud insiders expect a compromise arrangement that would increase Netanyahu's reserved seats while still holding the primaries.

The Likud Constitution Committee officially set the party primaries for August 4, moving the internal election process forward. However, significant disagreements remain regarding key issues such as the allocation of reserved seats, the determination of district placements, and how these factors will influence the final composition of the party list. The final list formation process is still contentious within the party leadership and committee members.