Netanyahu Plans to Allocate One Reserved Spot to Likud Chairman Haim Katz

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu intends to grant one of the reserved spots he received to Haim Katz, the chairman of the Likud party, contingent on the approval and implementation of a proposal recently passed by the Likud Constitution Committee. The plan, brought forward by Katz and Netanyahu, would allocate eight reserved spots to the Likud chairman, a higher number than initially intended for Netanyahu himself. As part of this arrangement, Netanyahu plans to keep one reserved spot for Katz and another for Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar, fulfilling a promise made upon Sa'ar's entry into the government.

Although the proposal was approved by a large majority, it faced opposition from MK David Bitan, who advocated for a different framework. The possibility of establishing an organizing committee remains under consideration, which contributed to the postponement of the Likud primaries from early August to August 17. This delay allows time to reconsider the committee option if consensus is reached. Netanyahu aims to reassess the support of dissenters like Bitan, expecting them to accept the current plan after realizing they cannot secure a majority for an alternative.

In recent days, Netanyahu has signaled that the organizing committee would primarily rely on existing names, ensuring most Knesset members would not lose their positions. Netanyahu appears to be in a strong position regardless of which path is chosen. If the current proposal is approved, he will receive eight reserved spots, effectively seven after Katz’s allocation. If the organizing committee route is taken, it would fulfill Netanyahu’s true preference.

Netanyahu’s team has assured MK Tali Gottlieb and other opponents, including Bitan, that there is no intention to retaliate or remove them from the list. Netanyahu seeks to enter the elections with a refreshed list while avoiding alienating frustrated Likud members, thus steering clear of extreme changes to the party slate.