Likud Faces Intense Competition for Southern District Seat as MK Shalom Danino Enters Race

On Wednesday, Member of Knesset Shalom Danino announced his intention to run for the Likud party slot representing the southern district, currently ranked 29th on the party list. This declaration has intensified competition among several candidates, including Elad Zamir, former spokesman for Communications Minister Shlomo Karhi; Shimon Boker, former head of the Likud branch in Beersheba; Yossi Pitusi, current Likud branch chairman; and Moshe Peretz, a city council member from Netivot.

A significant development in this contest is the Constitutional Committee's recent decision allowing incumbent Knesset members to compete for district slots, a move previously prohibited. Shalom Danino is the brother of Ofakim Mayor Itzik Danino and maintains strong connections with key Likud figures, including Netivot Mayor Yechiel Zohar, considered a powerful party influencer.

Sources close to Danino indicated he is seriously considering the southern district slot, which he has held before, and could also attract substantial votes on the national list. However, due to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's reserved slots (known as "shiyurim"), Danino is expected to focus on the southern district seat.

Reports reveal Netanyahu insists on securing ten reserved slots within the Likud list. Recently, his associates issued a rare threat that if this demand is not met, Netanyahu might leave the Likud and split the faction. Although he would not be able to take the Likud name, such a split could severely impact party funding.

This internal competition and strategic maneuvering underscore the high stakes within Likud ahead of upcoming elections, as candidates and party leaders jockey for influence and representation.