Story perspectives

Likud Approves Eight Slots for Netanyahu, Polls 21-23 Seats

7/28/2026

Summary

Story summary

Likud’s committee approved eight of 29 slots for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for October 27 election after 73 percent of members voted.
MK David Bitan opposed, accusing Haim Katz and warning slots could go to non-Likud figures such as Gideon Sa’ar.
Two slots may go to Bezalel Smotrich’s Religious Zionism and Itamar Ben Gvir’s Otzma Yehudit.
Likud polls for 21-23 seats after a court struck down Benjamin Netanyahu’s bid to cancel August 17 primary.

History

Historical Context

Likud’s rise began with Menachem Begin’s 1977 victory, where the party won 43 Knesset seats and ended three decades of Labor rule. Since Benjamin Netanyahu entered the Knesset in 1988, he has steered Likud through fluctuating fortunes, including a 27-seat win in 2009. Today, the party’s primary awards Netanyahu eight of 29 slots, echoing the 1977 power shift and foreshadowing coalition talks with far-right figures.

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Story summary

Likud’s committee approved eight of 29 slots for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for October 27 election after 73 percent of members voted.
MK David Bitan opposed, accusing Haim Katz and warning slots could go to non-Likud figures such as Gideon Sa’ar.
Two slots may go to Bezalel Smotrich’s Religious Zionism and Itamar Ben Gvir’s Otzma Yehudit.
Likud polls for 21-23 seats after a court struck down Benjamin Netanyahu’s bid to cancel August 17 primary.

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