Likud Central Committee to Vote on Netanyahu’s Eight Reserved Knesset Seats Amid Internal Opposition

Approximately 4,500 members of the Likud Central Committee are convening on July 27, 2026, to approve Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s request for eight reserved spots (known as "reservations") on the party’s Knesset list. These reserved seats are proposed for realistic positions: 3rd, 5th, 9th, 11th, 15th, 18th, 26th, and 29th places. The vote is expected to conclude by 8 p.m. that evening.

Despite Netanyahu’s political maneuvering to cancel the party’s primaries and establish a coordinating committee, the Likud’s internal court rejected the possibility of canceling the primaries, even under special security circumstances. The court emphasized that the Likud is not a one-man party and warned against undermining its democratic processes.

There is notable internal dissent, particularly from Knesset member David Bitan, who opposes the reserved seats. Bitan criticized the reservations as creating a "coordinating committee" effect that unfairly blocks other active Knesset members and ministers from securing seats. This opposition highlights tensions within the party leadership, including between Netanyahu and Likud Central Committee Chairman Haim Katz.

If Netanyahu uses all eight reserved spots and the party wins 30 seats in the upcoming elections, only 18 spots would remain open for other candidates, while the number of incumbent MKs and ministers seeking reelection is roughly double that. Netanyahu is also scheduled to visit the United States on the same day and is expected to meet with U.S. President Donald Trump the following day.

The final decision on the reserved seats will significantly shape the Likud’s candidate list and internal power dynamics ahead of the elections, with the primaries proceeding as planned unless security conditions dictate otherwise.