Likud Reserves Seats for Ministers Amid Internal Backlash Ahead of Knesset Elections

The Likud party has announced reserved spots on its Knesset list for ministers Israel Katz, Gideon Sa'ar, and Haim Katz, sparking controversy within and outside the party. The decision increases the number of reserved seats to ten, with four guaranteed within the top ten positions. This move intensifies competition as approximately 35 incumbent politicians will vie for around 15 available spots in the next Knesset.

The Likud's internal court ruled last week to reserve a seat for Defense Minister Israel Katz to allow him to focus on security matters rather than politics. This was part of a broader agreement that also secured reserved positions for Sa'ar, as part of his party's union with Likud, and Haim Katz, chairman of the party's central committee. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will have a total of ten reserved seats, including those for these ministers and others, with four in the top ten.

The reserved seats arrangement means that if Likud wins 30 mandates, half of the seats will be pre-allocated to Netanyahu, reserved ministers, and regional candidates, leaving fewer spots for other contenders. This has led to public criticism from within Likud, notably from MK Tali Gottlieb, who called the move "a disgraceful step mocking Likud voters." Former IDF Chief of Staff Gadi Eisenkot accused senior Likud members of sacrificing voters for political survival.

Some party members expressed support for Netanyahu's decision, emphasizing the need for a strong team to secure victory and form the next government. However, criticism also came from outside Likud, including MK Dan Illouz of Yisrael Beiteinu, who condemned the reservation of Haim Katz, blaming him for blocking reforms and contributing to high living costs.

The controversy highlights internal tensions within Likud as it prepares for the upcoming elections, with debates over fairness, party democracy, and the balance between political strategy and voter representation continuing to unfold.