Amid Controversy, Israel Katz Secures Likud Knesset Slot Without Primaries

Following a late-night announcement that Israel Katz, Gideon Sa'ar, and Haim Katz were added to the Likud party list for the Knesset without having to compete in primaries, journalists and media figures expressed skepticism about the move. The decision drew particular attention due to Israel Katz's position as Defense Minister and the recent tensions involving him, which were linked to the Likud primaries.

Political commentator Amit Segal questioned the rationale behind Katz's protected slot, asking if it was truly due to the Iran-related security situation, given the nature of his recent campaign videos. Segal shared a viral campaign video of Katz, sarcastically calling it a "souvenir from primaries that never happened." Other critics, including journalist Gutlieb, condemned the decision as a disrespectful gesture to voters. i24News presenter Sharon Gal lamented that Katz was not informed earlier about the protected status, suggesting it could have prevented unnecessary and embarrassing statements related to the primaries.

Military correspondent Doron Kadosh also weighed in, implying that Prime Minister Netanyahu may have belatedly recognized the potential damage caused by Katz's primary campaign tactics. These tactics had recently escalated to a controversial demand to release a settler suspected of serious terror offenses against Palestinians. The protected slots for these senior politicians have sparked debate about the internal dynamics and decision-making within the Likud party ahead of the upcoming elections.