Ze'ev Elkin Explains Why He Did Not Receive Likud's Reserved Slot Ahead of Primaries

Ahead of the tense Likud primaries scheduled for the coming Monday, Minister Ze'ev Elkin expressed confidence in securing a high and realistic spot on the party's Knesset list despite not receiving the single reserved slot granted by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. In an interview with Nissim Mishal and Anat Davidov on 103fm radio, Elkin detailed the internal agreement within his faction, which initially allocated one reserved spot. He revealed that the original plan was for Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar to run in the primaries while Elkin would take the reserved slot. However, after observing Sa'ar's limited presence in domestic political activities due to his foreign trips and cabinet meetings, Elkin approached him, leading to a mutual decision: Elkin would compete in the primaries, and Sa'ar would use the reserved slot and support Elkin fully.

Elkin, familiar with Likud's party mechanisms from previous campaigns, is actively campaigning across the party's base. He noted public endorsements from several mayors and strong national groups backing him. He highlighted that they mobilized 2,400 voters in the membership drive and are working on mutual support agreements with other candidates. Reflecting on his past successes, Elkin recalled his previous primary rankings of 7th, 8th, and 11th places, emphasizing his consistent high placement and reaffirming his commitment to compete again, leaving the final decision to Likud members.