Netanyahu Faces Internal Criticism Over Likud’s Reserved Knesset Slots Ahead of August Primaries

On June 30, 2026, during a Likud Constitution Committee meeting, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s proposal to reserve eight Knesset slots ("reserved seats") up to position 31 on the party list was approved by majority vote. The proposal also allows Netanyahu to adjust reserved seats between positions 29 and 33 if needed. This move sparked significant debate within the party ahead of the upcoming primaries, now tentatively scheduled for August 17.

MK David Bitan sharply criticized Netanyahu, accusing him of creating opacity around who receives reserved slots and warning that granting eight reserved seats severely limits chances for other MKs to be elected. Bitan stressed the importance of experienced parliamentarians over newcomers and expressed concern about the party’s democratic process, saying, "The Prime Minister does not say who the reserved candidates are, everything is in fog." He also accused Netanyahu of leaking information during the meeting and called him "impudent."

Netanyahu defended his position, stating he initially wanted 11 reserved seats but settled for eight as a minimum to avoid electoral decline. He emphasized that reserved slots at the top of the list are necessary to secure victory, aiming realistically for 43 seats due to the Norwegian electoral threshold. Coalition Chairman Ofir Katz warned of a tough election battle, citing high turnout in left-wing strongholds and the risk of losing votes to the opposition.

The internal dispute reflects broader tensions in Likud over the balance between party leadership control and grassroots influence. Some party members view the reserved seats as unprecedented and potentially harmful to party unity. Meanwhile, spokesperson Guy Levy highlighted the need for the strongest possible candidate team to ensure electoral success. Likud activist Tali Gottlieb confirmed that primaries will proceed, affirming the party’s democratic values despite the reserved slots for Netanyahu.

The committee’s decision marks a critical step in Likud’s candidate selection process, with the final list and primary date to be confirmed in the coming days. The controversy underscores the challenges Netanyahu faces in maintaining party cohesion ahead of what is expected to be a highly competitive election cycle.