Netanyahu Considers Reserving Knesset Seats for Weakened Likud Lawmakers After Primaries

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office is exploring the possibility of reserving Knesset seats on the Likud party list for several lawmakers who performed poorly in the recent primaries. This includes members Tzaga Malka, Keti Shitrit, Ze'ev Elkin, and Hanokh Milvitsky. The move aims to address concerns about low female representation in realistic list positions, with Malka's inclusion also seen as a way to attract support from the Ethiopian-Israeli community.

Additional names have been suggested for reservation, including Minister Ze'ev Elkin, whose presence could appeal to voters from former Soviet Union countries, and MK Hanokh Milvitsky. However, the proposal has sparked significant discontent within the Likud faction. Lawmakers placed in borderline realistic positions have expressed frustration over the potential demotion.

Party sources indicated they would actively oppose any decision to reserve seats for weakened incumbents. Elkin responded to the reports by stating he had not been approached about a reserved seat and acknowledged that while everyone prefers higher list placement, the decision rests with Netanyahu. He also noted his unexpectedly strong showing in the primaries, receiving 23,000 votes, which was higher than many anticipated.