Netanyahu Secures Seven Reserved Slots in Likud's New Primary List Framework

A decisive agreement was reached between Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Likud Chairman Minister Haim Katz regarding the party's primary election list ahead of the upcoming vote on July 16, 2026. The new framework allocates seven guaranteed reserved slots for Netanyahu within the first 30 positions of the list, ensuring his control over the candidate lineup while maintaining the party's democratic structure.

The detailed proposal includes 50 total slots, with the first position reserved for Netanyahu himself. Reserved slots are specifically designated at positions 3, 5, 9, 11, 15, 18, 26, and 31, allowing Netanyahu to promote candidates aligned with him strategically. The list structure emphasizes strict regional and sectoral representation, dividing slots among districts such as Jerusalem-West Bank-Shfela (27 slots), Dan-Tel Aviv (28), Negev (29), Galilee (30), Haifa (42), Coastal Plain (36), and Regional Councils (37).

Additionally, the framework guarantees representation for various groups: women at positions 10, 20, 25, and 40; youth at 39; a new woman candidate at 34; immigrants at 43; persons with disabilities at 45; and a slot for the non-Jewish sector at 41. Current officeholders may run in their districts, with voting restricted to local party members, while national members can select up to 12 candidates.

This arrangement follows a tense meeting of the Likud Constitution Committee, which lasted over 90 minutes despite Netanyahu's request to postpone the discussion. The agreement aims to stabilize the party ahead of the August 17, 2026 primaries amid reports of pressure on Knesset members to withdraw in exchange for positions. Several Likud MKs reported receiving calls from Netanyahu's associates urging them to step down from the primaries for appointments.

The new primary system balances Netanyahu's influence with broad geographic and demographic representation, significantly shaping the final candidate list and the standing of incumbent MKs.