Likud Approves Eight Reserved Seats for Netanyahu Despite Opposition from One-Third of Central Committee

The Likud party conference voted on Monday to approve the primary election regulations, granting Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu eight reserved spots on the party's Knesset list. The vote took place across 16 polling stations nationwide after weeks of delays, postponements, and internal disputes. Most of the reserved seats allocated to Netanyahu are in realistic positions on the list, specifically numbers 5, 9, 11, 15, 18, 23, 26, and 29.

Minister Haim Katz and Netanyahu anticipated that the voter turnout would overcome the organized opposition led by Knesset member David Bitan, securing victory both for the reserved seats and for the clause allowing incumbent Knesset members to run again in their districts. About a week and a half prior, the vote on the primary regulations was canceled due to a temporary court injunction following a petition by the Social Forum within the National Labor Federation.

Last week, after a late-night hearing at the Likud court, the vote was postponed again. Yesterday, several ministers and Knesset members released videos urging the conference delegates to support Netanyahu's proposal, while David Bitan spearheaded the opposition against it. Despite roughly one-third of the central committee opposing the measure, the regulations were ultimately approved, solidifying Netanyahu's position within the party ahead of upcoming elections.