Netanyahu Reserves Key Likud Seats for Ashkenazi Elites, Marginalizing Mizrahi Voters

Ahead of the Likud primaries, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu allocated reserved slots on the party list predominantly to senior Ashkenazi politicians, sidelining many Mizrahi members who form a significant part of the party's grassroots support. The Likud Central Committee approved eight reserved spots, including for Gideon Sa'ar and Haim Katz, with Israel Katz receiving a special exemption due to his defense portfolio. This brings the total number of effectively reserved seats under Netanyahu's control to ten, announced just days before the primaries, after candidates had already campaigned extensively.

The timing and secrecy of these reservations drew criticism, especially regarding Israel Katz's exemption, which was justified on security grounds despite his active campaign efforts. Critics argue that Netanyahu's moves favor veteran Ashkenazi politicians from elite circles while limiting opportunities for Mizrahi and peripheral candidates who have been crucial in mobilizing votes and grassroots support.

This strategy has sparked discontent within the party's base, with some members privately voicing sharp criticism but fearing public dissent. The article highlights a broader issue of Netanyahu's leadership style, which centralizes power and sidelines internal democracy, risking alienation of key voter segments. The piece also contextualizes this political tension amid economic hardships faced by many Likud supporters, including soaring housing prices and security challenges.

The author suggests that Netanyahu's approach may ultimately weaken the party's traditional identity as a broad-based movement and could open space for figures like Gadi Eizenkot, who appeals to moderate right-wing voters disillusioned with Netanyahu. The article concludes by questioning when Likud members will recognize the party's transformation into a Netanyahu-centric entity and whether they will have the strength to reclaim it.