Netanyahu Secures Key List Reservations as Likud Central Committee Approves Election Proposals

The Likud Central Committee has approved all proposals submitted by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Likud Central Committee Chairman, Minister Haim Katz, despite opposition from MK David Bitan. On Monday, 3,387 committee members voted across 16 locations nationwide with a 72.7% turnout. Netanyahu won a significant internal victory by securing eight reserved slots on the party's Knesset list up to the 29th position, specifically at places 3, 5, 9, 11, 15, 18, 26, and 29, giving him considerable influence over the party's candidate lineup for the upcoming elections.

Meanwhile, Katz's proposal, which aimed to allow current MKs and ministers to run in district slots amid a reduction in the number of districts, sparked a contentious debate that remains unresolved. Opponents, led by Bitan, argue this change could limit opportunities for new candidates. Bitan publicly accused Katz of attempting to "build a faction within a faction," warning the vote would determine whether Likud remains a democratic and familial movement.

The reserved slots also involve political maneuvering, with one reportedly promised to Katz himself and another potentially to MK Eti Atiya, stirring internal tensions. Additionally, a reserved slot is designated for Defense Minister Gideon Sa'ar as part of the alliance with the New Hope party, with MK Michel Buskila possibly receiving a reserved spot from Sa'ar's faction.

Several senior Likud figures, including Ministers Shlomo Karhi, Israel Katz, and Coalition Chairman MK Ofir Katz, publicly supported Netanyahu's proposals, emphasizing the critical nature of the upcoming elections. Katz's plan also includes redrawing district boundaries, merging several into combined districts such as Shfela, Jerusalem and Judea and Samaria, Tel Aviv and Dan, Galilee and the Valleys, and the Negev.

The committee also officially approved the primaries' regulations amid ongoing debate about whether the primaries will proceed, especially given security concerns. The Likud court ruled primaries must take place, allowing for possible postponement or electronic voting if needed. While Netanyahu gained a powerful tool to shape the party list, the internal struggle over the party's democratic processes and candidate selection continues.