Netanyahu Wins Key Battle Over Likud Party List Reserved Seats Ahead of Elections

In a decisive internal vote on Monday, around 3,400 members of the Likud party's central committee cast ballots on proposals advanced by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, including a controversial plan to expand the number of reserved slots on the party's Knesset list. The vote, which lasted from 11:00 AM to 8:00 PM, saw a 73% turnout of eligible voters, with approximately 3,391 members participating.

Netanyahu's main proposal to increase the number of reserved seats from five to eight, covering positions 2 through 29 on the upcoming Knesset list, passed by a large majority. This move aims to strengthen the party's electoral slate ahead of the upcoming elections. Other proposals, including one allowing incumbent Knesset members to run in Likud districts, also passed but by narrower margins. This latter change is particularly significant for lawmakers like Avihai Boaron, whom Netanyahu reportedly wants on the list.

The reserved seats plan stirred considerable debate within Likud, though most ministers and MKs refrained from public opposition. The notable exception was MK David Bitan, who openly urged members to vote against the proposals in a video released before the vote. Ahead of the vote, Netanyahu's office actively campaigned for support, with ministers and MKs posting videos encouraging central committee members to back the proposals.

The internal vote settles a critical dispute within Likud just weeks before the elections, consolidating Netanyahu's control over the party list and shaping the party's candidate lineup for the next Knesset. Additional amendments to the party constitution were also approved during the vote.