Zeev Elkin Waives Reserved Spot to Compete in Likud Primaries Amid Merger Deal

Zeev Elkin, Israeli Minister and member of the Likud party, has decided to forgo a guaranteed reserved spot ("shield") on the Likud party list and instead compete in the party's national primaries. This move follows a merger agreement between Likud and the New Hope party, led by Gideon Sa'ar, who opted to take the reserved spot allocated to New Hope for himself.

Originally, Elkin was expected to receive the second reserved spot for New Hope candidates under the merger deal signed in March 2025 and approved by Likud in August 2025. However, Sa'ar's decision to claim the first reserved spot left Elkin to compete for a place on the list against incumbent Knesset members and ministers. Recently, an additional reserved spot was granted to New Hope candidates, which Elkin also declined, allowing it to be allocated to MK Michel Buskila, a close associate of Sa'ar.

Elkin registered for the primaries by paying the required 10,000 shekels registration fee. His decision is based on confidence in securing a realistic position on the list, supported by approximately 2,600 new Likud members who joined from New Hope as part of the merger. Several key Likud mayors have expressed support for Elkin, citing his work as Minister responsible for rehabilitation in southern and northern Israel.

The reserved spot for new immigrants on the Likud list is currently at number 41, considered a borderline position for entering the Knesset. With the withdrawal of Yuli Edelstein from the race, Elkin remains the leading candidate for this slot, which is significant in the party's competition with Yisrael Beiteinu, led by Avigdor Lieberman. If Elkin secures a high position, he may also be appointed chairman of Likud's immigrant campaign headquarters for the 2026 elections.

The merger agreement stipulates that all ongoing party funding and election financing for the "State National Right" faction will transfer to Likud after settling obligations. However, the factions have not formally unified or submitted a merger request to the Knesset committee due to concerns that some MKs might exploit legal loopholes to split without being considered defectors. The Likud Central Committee is expected to vote on allowing MKs to run in district-allocated spots, which could affect the primary dynamics.

This development marks a significant step in the integration of New Hope into Likud ahead of the 2026 elections, with Elkin choosing to compete openly rather than rely on reserved placements.