Netanyahu Proposes Eight Reserved Knesset Seats Amid Likud Primaries Debate

Prime Minister and Likud chairman Benjamin Netanyahu is set to present a strategic proposal to the party's Constitution Committee on Sunday, aiming to secure eight reserved spots within the top 30 places on the Likud electoral list. This plan is part of a broader effort to balance the party's internal opposition and shape the right-wing bloc ahead of upcoming elections. Netanyahu initially requested ten reserved seats but is willing to compromise on eight to maintain influence over the list's composition.

The proposal includes forming a arranging committee responsible for placing prominent ministers and Knesset members, while also addressing the positions of new candidates and those currently in less favorable spots. Two competing proposals will be voted on: one endorsing primaries with Netanyahu receiving eight reserved seats, and another combining primaries for district representatives with committee selection for ministers and Knesset members, also granting Netanyahu eight reserved seats.

Netanyahu faces challenges due to unfavorable polls and the Norwegian Law, which currently leaves 43 ministers and MKs competing for realistic list positions, meaning over half may not secure seats. Internal opposition comes from influential Likud MKs Haim Katz and David Bitan, who are concerned about their own and close allies' placements. The arrangement aims to preserve their positions, with Katz's ally Eti Atiya potentially running in the Dan district, where Katz holds significant sway.

Among the reserved seats, four are intended for new candidates under public review, and four may be allocated to secure a technical alliance with Bezalel Smotrich by reserving seats for his faction. However, not all party members support Netanyahu's plan. MK Tali Gottlieb insists that only primaries should decide the list, dismissing the arranging committee's role and emphasizing that the public will ultimately determine the elected representatives.

Ahead of the committee vote, tension within Likud is rising. Netanyahu has garnered backing from key Likud mayors, including Haim Bibas (Modiin), Tzvika Brot (Bat Yam), Beni Biton (Dimona), Ronen Plot (Nof HaGalil), and Yaakov Peretz (Kiryat Ata), who are expected to serve on the arranging committee. The outcome of Sunday’s vote will significantly influence the party’s candidate list and election strategy.