Netanyahu Pushes to Expand Reserved Slots in Likud List as Internal Vote Begins

The Likud party conference opened on Monday at 11:00 AM with a vote by approximately 4,000 party central committee members on three proposals promoted by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The main proposal seeks to increase the number of reserved slots ("sharionim") on the Likud Knesset list from five to eight, allowing Netanyahu to secure more favored candidates in the upcoming elections. Previously, five reserved spots were approved for places up to number 40 on the list; now Netanyahu requests eight reserved spots between positions 2 and 29.

In addition to the reserved slots, the committee members are voting on allowing incumbent Knesset members to run in specific Likud districts and on another party constitution amendment ahead of the 26th Knesset elections. The vote will continue until 8:00 PM, after which results are expected.

Ahead of the vote, Netanyahu's office exerted pressure on ministers and Knesset members to publicly support the proposals by posting videos urging central committee members to vote in favor. Notable figures who released supportive videos include Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana and ministers Israel Katz, Eli Cohen, Miri Regev, Miki Zohar, Yoav Kisch, Haim Katz, Shlomo Karhi, Nir Barkat, and coalition chairman Ofir Katz. Netanyahu himself also called for backing all three proposals. This push came despite some ministers having no personal interest in expanding reserved slots, which could push them down the list.

Opposition to the proposals is led by MK David Bitan, chairman of "Likud Global," who circulated a message urging members to reject the proposals under the slogan "Saving Netanyahu and Likud from Haim Katz." This internal battle highlights tensions over Netanyahu's attempt to consolidate control over the party list.

The current central committee includes about 3,000 newly elected members from late 2025 internal elections, marking their first significant vote, alongside roughly 1,000 continuing members. The committee also features substantial Haredi representation from cities including Bnei Brak, Jerusalem, Beitar Illit, Elad, Petah Tikva, Lod, Rehovot, Netanya, and Haifa.

Meanwhile, the Likud primary candidate registration continues, with over 70 candidates, including most ministers and sitting MKs, having submitted their candidacies. Registration closes Tuesday at 5:00 PM, after which the final candidate list will be published ahead of the primaries.