Netanyahu Secures Reserved Knesset Slots for Defense Minister Israel Katz Ahead of Likud Primaries

A week before the official announcement of Israel Katz's reserved slot in the Likud party list, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had already submitted a confidential letter to the Likud Court requesting Katz be placed sixth on the list for the 26th Knesset. The letter, revealed by former MK and Likud Court president Michael Kleiner, explained that due to the complex security situation and Katz's ongoing defense responsibilities, he should be exempt from a full primary campaign.

Despite the confidential request, Katz continued active political campaigning, including releasing promotional videos titled "Boom. Boom. Boom" and "Right-Wing Defense Minister with a Charming Smile." Kleiner noted Katz was aware of the letter but considered the reservation final only upon its public announcement. He emphasized that Katz's political activity highlighted the problem, as his presence at primary events was seen as detrimental to Likud.

The party's legal advisor, Ilan Bombach, raised the need for Katz's reservation, arguing that Katz could not conduct a normal campaign due to his defense role. Kleiner rejected claims that security concerns were misused, stating it was unfair for Katz to compete for a top list spot while constrained by his duties. Alongside Katz, Haim Katz also received a reserved slot, which Kleiner supported despite generally opposing external candidates, preferring to prioritize Likud members.

The reserved slots emerged amid internal Likud disputes over forming a committee that would allow Netanyahu to influence the party list composition. Kleiner said that despite pressure from Netanyahu's circle, including mayors, the court opposed such a committee and ensured primaries would proceed. Kleiner, who has led the Likud Court for 13 years, addressed accusations of bias against Netanyahu, explaining the prime minister's fluctuating reactions depending on whether court decisions favored him.

Kleiner also revealed that the court had occasionally found creative ways to assist Netanyahu with reserved slots, sometimes stretching party rules to provide a democratic veneer to actions not strictly aligned with Likud's constitution.