Netanyahu Offers Knesset List Spot to Academic After Controversial Interview

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu met on Sunday with Dr. Keren Asayag, a breast cancer researcher and academic, following a recent interview in which she described facing ostracism and humiliation in academic institutions due to her right-wing views and support for judicial reform. During their meeting, Netanyahu offered Asayag a reserved spot on the Likud party's Knesset list to strengthen the party's representation. Asayag, who is also the niece of prominent figures Shalom and Meni Asayag, had sparked significant media attention over the weekend by sharing her experiences and political stance, including a speech at a rally supporting the judicial reform. This offer comes amid concerns about limited female representation in the upper ranks of the Likud list after recent primaries, prompting Netanyahu to seek prominent women for reserved slots. Despite Netanyahu's efforts to persuade her to enter politics, Asayag has so far expressed reluctance to join the political arena.