The Likud party convention on Monday approved all three proposals on the agenda, including nine reserved slots for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on the party's list, according to reports from the convention. Sample results from a polling station in Haifa showed the first proposal passing 68-52, the second passing 60-59, and the third receiving 51-68.
The Likud party convention on Monday evening approved all three proposals on the agenda, including the allocation of nine reserved slots for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on the party's list. The vote, which closed earlier with a 72.82% turnout among nearly 4,000 participants, saw the first proposal (party regulations) pass 68-52, the second proposal (allowing MKs to run in districts) pass by a razor-thin 60-59, and the third proposal (reserved slots) receiving 51-68, according to a sample from a polling station in Haifa. The results cement Netanyahu's control over the party list ahead of the upcoming elections.
The vote followed a day of steady turnout: As The Zioneer reported, by Monday afternoon turnout exceeded 40% (Mon 15:56 Jerusalem). As polling stations closed, the figure reached 70% with 3,264 votes cast, according to journalist Shachar Glik. Shortly after, journalist Amit Segal (N12) reported 73% turnout, and later N12's Daphna Liel confirmed the final figure of 72.82% with nearly 4,000 participants. The proposals themselves had been a subject of internal debate: Netanyahu's original proposal offered eight reserved slots, but the final version included nine. The second proposal, backed by Likud chairman Haim Katz, faced stiff opposition, passing by just one vote in the sample.
The vote was the culmination of weeks of internal maneuvering. As The Zioneer previously reported, a compromise proposal reserving slots up to position 25 while excluding rebel MKs was floated in early July. A rival proposal by MK David Bitan for only three slots was excluded from the vote. In the days leading up to the convention, the Prime Minister's Office pressured Likud lawmakers to post support videos. The outcome is seen as a major victory for Netanyahu, solidifying his influence over the party ahead of the August 17 primaries.
The exact distribution of the nine reserved slots has not been specified, and the final composition of the Likud list will be determined in the primaries next month. The narrow margin on the second proposal indicates that internal divisions within the party remain.
16 developments
- StrongMinister Haim Katz's compromise proposal approved by Likud committee
- StrongNetanyahu, Katz nearing agreement on Likud reserved slots ahead of primaries
- StrongBitan: Netanyahu surrenders to Haim Katz over Likud list
- StrongLikud Rishon LeZion branch votes overwhelmingly against Netanyahu's three proposals
Source and signal
- Open-source intake