Netanyahu Secures Dominant Control Over Likud's Candidate List for 26th Knesset

Following the Likud Constitution Committee's approval of party leader Benjamin Netanyahu's proposal, the full structure of the Likud candidate list for the 26th Knesset has been revealed. The new arrangement marks a significant shift in the prospects for incumbent Knesset members and grassroots activists to secure top positions, with Netanyahu wielding unprecedented influence over the top 30 slots.

Netanyahu was granted seven personal reserved spots within the first 29 places on the list. Additionally, the party decided to substantially increase guaranteed representation for women, while regional districts were entirely excluded from the first and second tiers of the list. Netanyahu also received authorization to form an organizing committee should security conditions prevent holding primaries.

The emerging list structure indicates a fierce competition for the national slots, especially among sitting Knesset members, as nearly every second position in the top ten is reserved by Netanyahu's personal allocation. The updated Likud list features a mix of Netanyahu's reserved spots, general national slots, and women's representation guarantees, reflecting his consolidated control over candidate selection ahead of the elections.