Netanyahu Considers Using Reserved Slots to Boost Weakened Likud MKs After Primaries

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is reportedly considering using his authority over reserved slots on the Likud party list to reinstate Members of Knesset who performed poorly in the recent primaries and were placed in unrealistic positions. According to a report by Dikla Aharon on Kan Reshet Bet's "Morning Journal," prominent names under consideration include MKs Ze'ev Elkin and Hanoch Milwitsky. Additionally, there is discussion about reserving spots for MKs Keti Shitrit and Tzaga Malka to address the low representation of women in realistic list positions.

The motivations behind this move relate to demographic and political considerations. Elkin is valued for his ability to garner support among voters from former Soviet Union countries, while Milwitsky's reserved slot is being promoted by various factions within the ultra-Orthodox parties. However, this potential override of the primary results has sparked significant tension and resentment within Likud. Some party MKs have strongly opposed reinstating candidates who lost in the primaries through reserved slots, arguing that these slots were originally intended to bring in "stars from outside" and refresh the Knesset list.

This development follows internal disappointment within Likud after the primaries and highlights ongoing debates about party list composition and representation ahead of the upcoming elections.