Amit Segal Highlights Netanyahu’s New Precedent of Reserved Knesset Seats in Likud
Amit Segal, a prominent News 12 analyst, discussed a new political development within the Likud party, noting that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has introduced a novel practice of reserving Knesset list spots, a phenomenon unprecedented in Likud's history until about a decade ago. Segal confirmed that a reserved seat was offered to Gilad Erdan but expressed some skepticism about the details. He believes Erdan could have secured a high position in the upcoming Likud primaries, though not at the very top, and leaving Likud now would seem politically counterintuitive for him.
Segal explained that Netanyahu currently holds eight reserved slots: one for Gideon Sa'ar, two aimed at consolidating the right-wing bloc, and five others, including a questionable 29th spot, which seems unlikely to be filled by a former Shin Bet chief given current polling projections. He also commented on the possibility of former IDF Chief of Staff Gabi Ashkenazi joining Likud, suggesting that while it could help Netanyahu appeal to centrist voters who typically dislike him, it might also push some right-wing voters toward other parties like Smotrich and Ben Gvir.
Regarding the right-wing bloc's future, Segal predicted that the existence of three right-wing parties, including one led by Winter, is unsustainable. He expects a strategic merger or alliance, as there is ultimately room for only one party in that space. Additionally, Segal drew a comparison between the United Arab List (Ra'am) and the Shas party, noting both have religious elements but appeal to broader constituencies. He highlighted Mansour Abbas’s goal of securing a ministerial position in the next government and questioned the likelihood of a secular Jewish candidate being reserved on an Arab party list, calling it somewhat exaggerated.
Segal concluded by emphasizing the similarities between Aryeh Deri of Shas and Mansour Abbas of Ra'am in their political strategies, media manipulation, and agenda control, though he remains cautious until he sees concrete outcomes.
