Netanyahu Battles Over Reserved Knesset Seats Amid Likud Primaries Dispute

The Likud party continues to face internal disagreements despite setting a new date for its primaries. On Monday night, the party's internal court held a lengthy discussion with petitioners opposing the agreement reached between Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and party veteran Haim Katz regarding reserved Knesset seats, known as "shiriunim." Efforts are underway to reach a compromise and avoid a legal ruling, with talks expected to continue.

Under the current agreement, Netanyahu is slated to receive eight reserved seats, one likely allocated to Katz himself. According to reports in Israel Hayom, Netanyahu's circle aims to secure at least seven reserved seats to introduce new faces into the party. Potential candidates for these reserved spots include retired Brigadier Generals Gal Hirsch and Amir Avivi (founder of the Security Movement), Talik Guaily (mother of the late Ran Guaily), Yigal Brand (CEO of Beitar Global), and Itzik Bunzel (father of the late Staff Sergeant Amit Bunzel).

Businessman and television personality Dov Frances, linked in some reports to the party, addressed rumors about a possible reserved seat offer. Speaking at the Negev 2026 conference, Frances said he contacted Netanyahu's spokesperson in frustration after hearing about the offer, only to be told no such offer was made, dismissing the reports as "fake news."