Netanyahu Likely to Secure Seven Reserved Slots as Likud Prepares for Primary Vote

The Likud party is set to hold a decisive meeting on Sunday evening to determine the method for selecting its candidate list for the upcoming Knesset elections. Party insiders estimate that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will secure seven reserved slots, including two in each of the first three groups of ten candidates and one at the 31st position. Knesset Member Tali Gottlieb, who has championed the cause for primaries, confirmed that the party will hold primaries, describing Likud as a democratic party that values its voters. She stated, "There will be primaries because Likud counts its voters. The Prime Minister will have reserved slots, and the other candidates will run in the primaries as usual."

Netanyahu initially sought ten reserved slots within the top 30 positions to shape the list but appeared willing to compromise. He enlisted support from influential Likud mayors to back a coordinating committee that would allocate positions for ministers, prominent Knesset members, newcomers, and those currently in less favorable spots. The party's Constitution Committee is expected to vote on two proposals, both supported by Netanyahu: one endorsing primaries with reserved slots for Netanyahu, and another combining reserved slots and a coordinating committee for ministers and Knesset members, while district representatives would be chosen through primaries open to incumbent MKs.

In a video statement, Gottlieb emphasized Netanyahu's recognition of the importance of primaries and criticized attempts by figures such as Yariv Levin and Israel Katz to block them. She argued that canceling primaries undermines the voters and likened such claims to left-wing rhetoric. With 43 current ministers and MKs competing for limited realistic spots, partly due to the Norwegian Law, many incumbents face uncertain prospects. Netanyahu has stressed that forming the list is crucial for the upcoming election campaign. However, he faces opposition from senior MKs Haim Katz and David Bitan, who are also concerned about their own and their allies' placements. Gottlieb affirmed that the fight against a coordinating committee succeeded and that the Likud remains a democratic party honoring its voters.