Netanyahu Reaches Deal for 10 Reserved Spots on Likud Knesset List

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Likud Central Committee chairman, Minister Haim Katz, reached a preliminary agreement today (Monday) ahead of the party primaries, under which Netanyahu would receive 10 reserved spots on Likud's Knesset list.

The proposal will be brought before party institutions next week for approval, with members expected to vote on the final resolution once it has been drafted.

Under the emerging framework, eight of the reserved spots would be placed within the first 25 positions on the Likud list, with two additional reserved slots included within the top 40.

Netanyahu and Katz met today at Katz's home, where they finalized the main points of the agreement. As part of the understandings, they also discussed the possibility of establishing an organizing committee that would keep most sitting Likud Knesset members in their current positions on the list.

It was also agreed that female Knesset members would be permitted to compete in district races if they believe they may be ranked too low on the national list.

As previously reported, Netanyahu had initially sought 11 reserved spots within the first 40 places on the Likud list, including five within the top 10. Under the preliminary agreement, that number has been reduced to 10 reserved spots—eight within the first 25 positions and two more within the top 40.

The agreement comes as Likud prepares for its party primaries, which are expected to be held on August 4.