Netanyahu Ally Criticizes Reserved Knesset Seats for Senior Ministers in Likud

Yechiel Zohar, the influential mayor of Netivot and a key figure in the Likud party, sharply criticized Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's reserved Knesset seats plan, known as the "life-saving plan." Speaking to Walla, Zohar expressed his support in principle for Netanyahu's reserved seats if they bring quality candidates, but argued that reserving a seat for veteran minister Haim Katz is unnecessary. He insisted Katz should compete in the Likud primaries like other candidates to prove his political strength.

The Likud party announced overnight that its secretariat will be asked to approve reserved seats not only for Netanyahu but also for Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar, Defense Minister Israel Katz, and party center chairman Haim Katz. This is in addition to new reserved seats Netanyahu plans to introduce. The party statement referenced a recent ruling by the Likud disciplinary court mandating a reserved seat for Defense Minister Israel Katz to allow him to focus on security matters without engaging in political battles.

The statement also clarified that Gideon Sa'ar will be placed on the list as part of the union agreement between his party and Likud, while Haim Katz’s reserved seat is justified by his role as chairman of the party center. Zohar’s comments highlight internal tensions within Likud over the use of reserved seats and the balance between party democracy and strategic placements ahead of upcoming elections.