Full Breakdown
Netanyahu’s Reserved Slots Spark Turmoil in Likud Ahead of October Election
9/9/2026, 2:27:09 AM
Core Event: Allocation of Reserved Slots on the Likud Slate
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu used his authority as Likud chairman to place eight of his personal picks in reserved positions on the party’s Knesset list. The selections were approved by the Likud secretariat on Tuesday and submitted before the October 27 deadline. Reserved slots were placed at positions 3, 5, 9, 11, 15, 18, 26 and 31, with an additional slot already earmarked for Defense Minister Israel Katz.
Background & Context: Likud’s Primary Tradition and Recent Reforms
For decades Likud has held primaries in which members vote for the slate. In recent weeks Netanyahu pushed to curtail this process, arguing the party needed “strong leadership” ahead of the election. The Likud Central Committee granted him power to select eight candidates for the first-30 positions, reducing the number of slots available through the traditional primary.
Data & Statistics: Reserved-Slot Distribution
- Eight slots selected by Netanyahu (positions 3, 5, 9, 11, 15, 18, 26, 31).
- Defense Minister Israel Katz holds a separate reserved slot.
- Talik Gvili – expected at No. 9.
- Yaakov Bardugo – placement not publicly disclosed but confirmed as a reserved pick.
- Elisha Medan – reported at No. 11 by one source and at No. 15 by another.
- David Peter – assigned No. 16.
- Amir Avivi – assigned No. 35.
Official Statements & Responses
The party’s legal adviser said the internal court deadline for publishing the proposal could not be met because of “the political situation,” but maintained the list would be submitted before the 10 p.m. filing deadline.
MK David Bitan filed a petition challenging the reserved slot for Defense Minister Israel Katz, asserting the party failed to provide the required 48-hour notice. The Likud internal court ruled on May 11 that the proposal must be delivered by 9:00 p.m. that day, warning that a late proposal could be seen as an “improper fait accompli.”
Criticism & Opposition
Eisenkot’s statements represent the most substantive dissent, warning that the reserved-slot system concentrates power in Netanyahu’s hands and marginalizes members who would otherwise compete in the primary. Bitan’s legal challenge underscores internal resistance and suggests the process may violate Likud’s procedural rules.
Timeline
- May 11 – Likud internal court issues deadline for secretariat to receive the reserved-slot proposal.
- Tuesday (date not specified) – Likud secretariat approves Netanyahu’s eight reserved picks and adds additional candidates.
- October 27 – Final deadline for parties to submit their Knesset lists.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources differ on the exact placement of several candidates. Yaakov Bardugo’s precise slot has not been announced. Elisha Medan is reported at both the 11th and 15th positions. Talik Gvili is described as “expected” at No. 9, while another source lists her as already placed there. These discrepancies reflect the fluid nature of the list finalization process.
