Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has firmly rejected any compromises, insisting on securing ten reserved spots on Likud’s national list, according to a report on Tuesday by Channel 14’s Yehuda Schlesinger.
A senior Likud official reiterated that Netanyahu’s stance is non-negotiable. “This is a totally crazy event. We are heading for a political massacre on the list like never before,” the official remarked, highlighting the potential for major disruptions within the party.
According to the official, if the conditions are not met, the Prime Minister may take extreme measures, including potentially running at the head of an independent list.
This demand means that all Likud ministers and Knesset members will need to run on the national list, with nearly half expected to be pushed out of competitive positions. For those who remain, Netanyahu intends to reserve spots for his personal appointments.
Should this plan go through, around 70% of Likud’s ministers and Knesset members will likely not be part of the next Knesset.
In the recent elections, Likud won 32 seats. As per the extended Norwegian Law, one-third of the ministers resigned to make room for additional Knesset members. These new positions will also be filled from the Likud national list.
Netanyahu’s reserved spots will then be assigned without the need for primary elections.
Netanyahu concerned about voter enthusiasm
Netanyahu’s concern is that the current Likud list is not strong enough to drive voter enthusiasm. He fears low turnout among Likud’s base, particularly in strongholds, and is looking to create a list that will inspire and energize his supporters.
To this end, he plans to include prominent names from the aftermath of the October 7 tragedy, such as families of victims and hostages, hoping to create a compelling narrative that will draw voters to the polls.
In response to these reports, a Likud spokesperson firmly denied the claims, calling them “complete fake news.”
The statement went on to emphasize Netanyahu’s commitment to Likud, saying, “Unlike others, Prime Minister Netanyahu does not jump between parties and ideologies. He will lead the Likud movement to victory for the national camp in the upcoming elections. For the Prime Minister and many others, Likud has always been, and will always be, home, and home is not abandoned.”
