Netanyahu Seeks Eight Reserved Knesset Slots, Offers Four to Smotrich's Religious Zionism Party

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is requesting the Likud party to approve eight reserved Knesset slots (shiriunim) within the top 30 list positions for the upcoming elections. Half of these reserved slots are intended to facilitate a potential technical alliance with the Religious Zionism party, led by Minister Bezalel Smotrich. This move aims to maximize right-wing strength by encouraging Smotrich to agree not to run separately, in exchange for four significant reserved spots within Likud's list.

The Likud Constitution Committee is scheduled to convene on Sunday to decide on the primary election format and Netanyahu's reserved slot requests. Two proposals will be presented: Netanyahu's plan, which includes eight reserved slots for the prime minister, and a ministers' plan featuring a list organizing committee, also with eight reserved slots for Netanyahu, alongside district representatives elected in the primaries, allowing incumbent Knesset members to run.

If established, the list organizing committee is expected to be headed by Bat Yam Mayor Tzvika Brot, with prominent Likud local leaders such as Haim Bibas, Ronen Plot, Benny Biton, Yaakov Peretz, and Shay Hajaj serving alongside him. Both proposals are seen as favorable to Netanyahu, who would welcome a list organizing committee even though he has not explicitly requested one.