Netanyahu Secures Reserved Spots in Likud List, Pushing Out Tali Gottlieb

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu orchestrated a secret plan to reserve key positions on the Likud party list for the 26th Knesset elections, effectively pushing out Tali Gottlieb from the top ten. The move involved a legal maneuver citing "security considerations" to secure a reserved spot for Minister Israel Katz, displacing Gottlieb and making room for political loyalists such as Gideon Sa'ar and Haim Katz. Israel Katz was unaware of the final decision until shortly before the official announcement, despite knowing about the possibility and the confidential party court approval.

Netanyahu aimed to reshape the Likud list to present a less extreme image, combining new figures from various sectors with loyalists who supported his political agenda. After securing approval for eight reserved spots at the party conference, Netanyahu promoted Gideon Sa'ar from 15th to 9th place and included Haim Katz as a reward for his support, despite internal conflicts. The plan also anticipated placing Amir Ohana, Yariv Levin, and Eli Cohen in the top three spots, with Gottlieb potentially following, which Netanyahu opposed.

To create space for Katz in the top ten, a confidential request was submitted to the Likud party court to exempt Katz from the primaries due to ongoing security-related discussions, allowing him to bypass the internal election process. Katz continued to campaign as if no reservation existed. Netanyahu's team informed Katz of his reserved spot only hours before the public announcement, which included three reserved positions in the top ten, one of which was an extraordinary reservation.

An additional reserved spot was designated for a woman to maintain gender representation, further ensuring Gottlieb's exclusion from the top ten. The final hurdle remains the Likud secretariat meeting, which must approve the reserved spots. Although Katz chairs the secretariat, significant unrest among MKs and ministers who feel marginalized could lead to a tense and unpredictable session.

This strategic list formation reflects Netanyahu's focus on controlling the party's image and rewarding loyalists ahead of the upcoming elections, while sidelining figures like Gottlieb who do not align with his vision.