Netanyahu Requests Reserved Knesset Seat for Defense Minister Katz Citing Security Concerns

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu formally requested that Defense Minister Israel Katz be granted a reserved spot on the Likud party's Knesset list without having to compete in the primary elections. The request, revealed on Tuesday following a late-night Likud announcement, cited Katz's full engagement with security matters amid an unusual and sensitive security situation that cannot be disclosed at this time. Netanyahu asked the party's internal court to allow him to place Katz anywhere on the list at his discretion so Katz can focus entirely on his defense duties without the distraction of an election campaign.

The move sparked significant controversy within Likud, with party member Yifat Gutman condemning it as a disgraceful step that mocks voters. Supporters of the decision argued that Katz would have secured a high position on the list regardless of campaigning, but emphasized that given the current security climate, it is unfair to require the defense minister to divide his attention with a personal election campaign. The request highlights the party leadership's prioritization of national security over internal party competition ahead of the upcoming elections.