Netanyahu Considers Reserving Knesset Seats for Former Military and Intelligence Leaders in Likud List

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office is actively preparing an attractive reserved candidates list for the upcoming Likud party Knesset slate, aiming to broaden appeal toward centrist voters. According to a report by Maariv, several prominent security and political figures are under consideration, including former Mossad chief Yossi Cohen, former IDF Chief of Staff Gabi Ashkenazi, former ministers Ron Dermer and Yuval Steinitz, and retired Brigadier General Gal Hirsch. Additionally, former senior Shin Bet officials Shalom Ben Hanan and Meir Ben Shabat are being evaluated for inclusion.

The Likud team is also seeking to reserve a spot for at least one wounded IDF soldier from the recent war to symbolize the valor of fighters. Lieutenant Colonel Yonatan Ben Hamo, who became a symbol after Netanyahu featured him in his historic U.S. Congress speech, is the leading candidate. Early discussions are also underway about including a well-known bereaved father and brother from the Religious Zionist community.

Among all potential candidates, Ashkenazi is viewed by Netanyahu's advisors as the key figure capable of significantly shifting the electoral map and attracting substantial votes. Despite a complex and long-standing love-hate relationship, Netanyahu and Ashkenazi maintain continuous contact, with Ashkenazi advising Netanyahu throughout the war months. Ashkenazi was reportedly instrumental in persuading Netanyahu to approve the ground maneuver in Gaza, countering the dire warnings from retired generals Yitzhak Brick and Ofer Winter.