Netanyahu Considers Former Security Chiefs and Politicians for Likud Election List

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is currently compiling a list of potential candidates to secure reserved spots on the Likud party list for the upcoming elections. The names under consideration include senior figures from Israel's defense establishment, former politicians, and public personalities. Some have already received direct offers, while others are still being approached. It remains uncertain who will accept the proposals.

Reported by Ben Caspit in Maariv, the candidates discussed include former IDF Chief of Staff Gabi Ashkenazi, former ministers Ron Dermer and Yuval Steinitz, retired Brigadier General Gal Hirsch, former Mossad chief Yossi Cohen, and former Shin Bet officials Shalom Ben Hanan and Meir Ben Shabbat. Netanyahu's team is also seeking to reserve a spot for at least one wounded IDF soldier, with Lieutenant Yonatan Ben Hamo, who accompanied Netanyahu to his 2024 Congress speech, among the names considered. Additionally, a bereaved father and brother from the Religious Zionist community with significant public standing is being evaluated, though this is still in early stages.

The purpose of these reserved slots is to strengthen Likud's list ahead of the elections and mitigate electoral damage attributed to some current party members' conduct. However, the final composition of the list is still unclear, with some candidates yet to respond, others declining, and some still weighing their options. Netanyahu's advisers worry that deciding the list solely through primaries could harm Likud's electoral chances.

Among the candidates, Gabi Ashkenazi is viewed as potentially bringing a significant vote boost despite his complex and sometimes tense relationship with Netanyahu. Ashkenazi advised Netanyahu during the recent conflict and reportedly supported a ground operation in Gaza, contrary to warnings from other military leaders. If he agrees, Ashkenazi would likely be placed in a top-five slot, though his acceptance is considered unlikely given his past refusals and critical stance on Netanyahu's recent leadership.

Ron Dermer is another top candidate, but he appears inclined to decline, preferring to remain out of politics after focusing on private endeavors. Yuval Steinitz is also being courted with promises of senior ministerial roles, including Defense or Foreign Minister, but has not yet committed. Gal Hirsch, previously considered for a reserved spot, lacks an independent political base and is unlikely to attract new votes but could help reshape the list's composition.

Yossi Cohen's inclusion is complicated by his independent political stance and a delicate relationship with Netanyahu, though his popularity and charisma make him an attractive candidate. Former security officials Meir Ben Shabbat and Shalom Ben Hanan are also considered to add a security dimension following Yoav Galant's retirement. Netanyahu's team is also targeting candidates who can appeal to younger right-wing voters and counter the popularity of Itamar Ben-Gvir, with Yonatan Ben Hamo and the bereaved family from the Religious Zionist sector among those evaluated.

Ultimately, the final Likud list remains in flux, with Ashkenazi a distant possibility, Steinitz undecided, Dermer leaning toward refusal, and Cohen uncertain. Netanyahu continues to explore additional candidates, with the final lineup expected to become clearer in the coming weeks.