Ben Caspit Criticizes Likud MK Guetta Over Party List Reservations and Loyalty to Netanyahu

During a radio interview on 103FM with Ben Caspit and Yinon Magal on August 11, 2026, Likud MK Sasson Guetta addressed the recent decision to reserve spots on the Likud party list ahead of the upcoming primaries. Guetta admitted he does not personally know Oren Dovronski, one of the new reserved candidates, but expressed trust in Prime Minister Netanyahu's judgment for selecting him. Guetta acknowledged that he had previously voted against the practice of reserving spots in the party list but emphasized his belief in the party's democratic nature and Netanyahu’s wisdom.

Guetta, who is preparing for the Likud primaries himself, explained his decision to remain in central Israel due to travel difficulties and highlighted his background as a representative from the northern region and the agricultural sector. He positioned himself as the only candidate from the working settlement movement and stressed his commitment to advancing agricultural interests and northern development.

The conversation grew tense when Ben Caspit sharply criticized Guetta’s defense of the reserved candidates, accusing him of lacking independent judgment and merely echoing Netanyahu’s views. Caspit pointed out Guetta’s hesitation when reading the list of reserved candidates and questioned what message the reservations send to Likud voters, especially those in the periphery. Guetta rejected the criticism, reiterating that he openly opposed the reservations in the past and insisted that his stance was in the party’s best interest.

The debate highlighted internal tensions within Likud regarding the reserved spots on the party list and the influence of Netanyahu’s decisions ahead of the 2026 elections.