News Anchor Netali Shem Tov Declines Gilad Erdan's Party Offer Amid Likud Slot Talks

News anchor Netali Shem Tov, who is being considered for a reserved spot on the Likud party list, has also received an offer from former minister Gilad Erdan to join his new party. Shem Tov declined Erdan's proposal, according to ynet. It remains uncertain whether her Likud slot will be finalized, though she has not ruled out the possibility. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has yet to finalize his reserved candidates and the exact placement for Shem Tov, a former presenter on Keshet and Reshet channels, is still unclear.

Shem Tov, a resident of Metula who was evacuated from her home during the recent war, is known for her connection to northern Israel and the periphery. She is currently engaged in a legal and media battle against Channel 13 over her dismissal. Neither Shem Tov nor Erdan have commented on the reports.

Erdan, who is expected to announce his new party soon, has recently criticized Netanyahu over attempts to avoid a law exempting ultra-Orthodox draft evaders and condemned Defense Minister Israel Katz's live announcement of the dismissal of Central Command Chief Avi Blot. Erdan has been negotiating with several figures including MK Yuli Edelstein, former Beit Shemesh mayor Aliza Bloch, and retired Brigadier General Hazi Nechama, as well as Olympic medalist Oren Smadja, though no final decisions have been made.

Netanyahu has eight reserved slots to allocate and aims to attract disillusioned members from the current coalition, especially those unhappy with the ultra-Orthodox partnership. One slot is promised to Gideon Sa'ar, and under an agreement with New Hope, his deputy MK Michel Buskila may also be included. Netanyahu may also need to reserve spots for ministers Itamar Ben-Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich to prevent vote splitting on the right. Other potential reserved candidates include Ron Dermer, who currently refuses due to family opposition, and Talik Goili, mother of fallen hero Ran Goili. Netanyahu has also considered reserving lawyer David Petel and Eli Ohana, both government supporters.