Netanyahu’s Dream Team Collapses as Top Figures Reject Likud Offers

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s attempt to revitalize the Likud party list by recruiting prominent figures from the security establishment and October 7 heroes has failed, with all approached candidates declining the party’s offers. Despite Likud’s efforts to offer reserved spots in coveted positions, there has been a complete refusal from key names including Yuval Steinitz, Yossi Cohen, Gal Hirsch, Gabi Ashkenazi, and Ron Dermer.

The Likud leadership aims to refresh the party list by adding more moderate figures to appeal to centrist and moderate right-wing voters, especially amid declining poll numbers and public criticism of some party members associated with a hardline stance. The goal is to present a broader, more nationalistic list to strengthen Likud’s position in the upcoming elections.

Currently, Netanyahu’s recruitment project is stalled, with no significant positive responses from the high-profile individuals targeted. The party continues to explore other options as it prepares to finalize the list, but so far, no breakthroughs have occurred. Attention now turns to a general identified as Netanyahu’s potential next savior in this recruitment effort.