Netanyahu Postpones Likud Primary List Discussion as Bitan Proposes Alternative Rules

The Likud Constitution Committee was scheduled to meet on Sunday evening to decide on the candidate list formation for the 26th Knesset. However, about 30 minutes before the meeting, when some committee members were already near the Prime Minister's office, the discussion was officially postponed to the next day due to an urgent security schedule for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. During this delay, MK David Bitan circulated an alternative draft regulation he authored. Bitan stated the proposal aims to "keep the power of choice in the hands of all Likud members, ensure district representatives are directly elected by them, guarantee female representation in every top ten, and curb extensive reserved slots." The draft is intended as a temporary measure for the upcoming election only.

According to Bitan's draft, direct voting by about 100,000 party members will be preserved, allowing each member to select up to 12 candidates on the national list. The plan limits the Prime Minister to only five reserved spots within the top 50, specifically at positions 2, 6, 16, 39, and 48. A significant change is the reduction of districts to nine by merging the Dan and Tel Aviv districts. These nine districts (Shfela, Dan-Tel Aviv, Negev, Jerusalem, Judea and Samaria, Coastal Plain, Galilee and Valleys, Haifa, and Moshavim) will elect representatives directly, with list placement based on relative size, ranging from position 26 for the largest to 40 for the smallest.

The proposal also enforces strict female representation, reserving at least one woman in each of the first five tens to prevent all-male groups. Position 34 is designated for a "new woman" candidate (one who served as MK for up to six months). Reserved spots for non-Jewish sectors, immigrants, youth, and the ultra-Orthodox are maintained. Bitan's detailed proposal counters Netanyahu's recent plans, which included a proposal for a coordinating committee. Facing strong opposition from sitting MKs fearing for their positions, Netanyahu leaned toward a primary election compromise, demanding 8 to 10 reserved slots for his allies.

Party sources believe Netanyahu initially proposed the coordinating committee as a pretext to justify numerous reserved slots. Amid internal tensions during a critical Knesset session week, Netanyahu showed some willingness to reduce his demand to seven reserved spots. Meanwhile, speculation continues about reserved slots, including businessman Dov Frances, a Netanyahu associate and former AI advisor, who faces opposition from some MKs. Netanyahu's office admits difficulties recruiting leading figures, citing a lack of willing quality candidates. Former minister Ron Dermer has officially declined a reserved slot despite Netanyahu's persistent pressure.