Story perspectives

Likud Central Committee Approves Netanyahu’s Reserved Slate Slots

9/9/2026

Summary

Story summary

Netanyahu chose reserved candidates for Likud’s slate before the October 27 election.
The Central Committee approved eight reserved slots and added Talik Gvili as slot nine.
It also placed Yaakov Bardugo (11th), Elisha Medan (15th), David Peter (16th), Itzik Bonsel (29th) and Amir Avivi (35th).
Former chief Gadi Eisenkot called the slots a spoils system rewarding Netanyahu loyalty.
Netanyahu urged parties to merge by Tuesday, saying “When we unite, we win.”

History

Historical Context

On 17 May 1977 Israel held its ninth Knesset election, where Menachem Begin’s Likud won 43 seats with 79 % voter turnout, ending roughly 30 years of Labor dominance—a shift called the Mahapach. That breakthrough showed how internal list battles could alter coalition balance, a dynamic echoed today as Benjamin Netanyahu disputes the party’s reserved-slot allocations.

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Story summary

Netanyahu chose reserved candidates for Likud’s slate before the October 27 election.
The Central Committee approved eight reserved slots and added Talik Gvili as slot nine.
It also placed Yaakov Bardugo (11th), Elisha Medan (15th), David Peter (16th), Itzik Bonsel (29th) and Amir Avivi (35th).
Former chief Gadi Eisenkot called the slots a spoils system rewarding Netanyahu loyalty.
Netanyahu urged parties to merge by Tuesday, saying “When we unite, we win.”

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