Netanyahu Considers Reserving Knesset Seats for Lawmakers Who Lost in Likud Primaries

Two days after the Likud primary results were announced, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's circle is considering using reserved slots to promote Knesset members who did not secure realistic positions on the party list. Among those being considered for reservation are MKs Tsaga Melaku and Keti Shitrit, partly to address the low number of women in the top ranks and to appeal to the Ethiopian community. Additionally, the reservation of Minister Ze'ev Elkin is being evaluated due to his potential to attract votes from immigrants from former Soviet states, as well as MK Hanoch Milwitsky, a move supported by some Haredi party figures.

This initiative has sparked strong opposition from Knesset members placed in borderline positions, who argue that the reserved slots were intended for new faces and external "stars" to refresh the party, not to override the decisions of party members who pushed some incumbents down the list. Minister Elkin responded to the reports by stating that no discussions had taken place with him but emphasized that the decision is up to Netanyahu. He highlighted his strength within Likud after bringing in 23,000 votes, contrary to earlier expectations.

The debate over reserved slots follows the primary results where Minister Eli Cohen secured first place, followed by Minister Yariv Levin and Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana. Conversely, MKs and ministers such as Idit Silman, Avi Dichter, and Nissim Vaturi were relegated to non-realistic positions, while MK Tali Gottlieb ranked 20th on the list.