Netanyahu Considers Reserved Knesset Seats for Ze'ev Elkin, Avi Dichter, and Menashe Zalaka

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is contemplating reserving Knesset list spots for several key figures ahead of upcoming elections. One potential candidate for a reserved slot is Menashe Zalaka, a former captain of Hapoel Hadera football team, a reserve combat soldier, and a 2019 Independence Day torchbearer. Zalaka’s inclusion aims to appeal to younger voters and Ethiopian-Israeli communities.

In parallel, Netanyahu is exploring ways to promote Ze'ev Elkin to a realistic Knesset position, possibly around spots 24 or 26. Elkin is viewed as an electoral asset, particularly among Russian-speaking Israelis and other demographic groups. Netanyahu may use one of his reserved slots to secure Elkin’s placement on the list.

Another figure under consideration for a reserved seat is Avi Dichter, former head of the Shin Bet and a veteran with ministerial experience. Dichter finished in an unelectable position in the party primaries, but Netanyahu’s team sees him as a valuable addition to strengthen the Likud’s security team. Final decisions on these reserved seats have not yet been made and remain under discussion.

Menashe Zalaka, born in 1990, is noted for his leadership in elevating Hapoel Hadera from Liga Alef to the Premier League and for balancing his sports career with active military service. His selection reflects Netanyahu’s strategy to broaden the party’s appeal across diverse sectors of Israeli society.