Likud primary reform proposal would freeze list, give Netanyahu control over 10 slots

Prime Minister Netanyahu is pushing a proposal to replace Likud primaries with an arranging committee that would largely keep the current national list intact, according to reports by journalist Shalom Attinger. The proposal grants Netanyahu the power to allocate ten reserved slots, effectively freezing the rank-and-file's ability to significantly reshuffle the list.

Prime Minister Netanyahu is pushing a proposal to replace Likud primaries with an arranging committee that would largely keep the current national list intact, according to a report by journalist Shalom Attinger. The proposal grants Netanyahu the power to allocate ten reserved slots, effectively freezing the rank-and-file's ability to significantly reshuffle the list.

The development follows a day of intensive activity on the issue. At 20:54 Jerusalem on June 10, The Zioneer reported in multiple updates that Netanyahu told Likud local council heads he wants to cancel primaries entirely (version 1, citing Channel 14's Moti Kastel). By version 4, a Likud source detailed Netanyahu's demand for ten reserved slots on the arranging committee. At version 6, Amit Segal (N12) reported that Netanyahu cited the 12 million shekel cost of primaries as a reason, and outlined the required approval process through the party's constitution committee, secretariat, and convention. The current proposal, as reported by Attinger, adds the specific mechanism of ten reserved slots for Netanyahu and a near-frozen national list.

As The Zioneer reported on June 10 at 10:08 Jerusalem, Netanyahu had earlier cited the high cost of primaries — estimated at 12 million shekels — as a factor in considering the change. Opponents within the party have argued the move concentrates power in the leader's hands and sidelines grassroots members.

A final decision has not been reached. The proposal requires a simple majority in Likud's constitution committee, secretariat, and convention.

5 developments

1. 02:50 · 12 JunLatest

   Likud primaries are reportedly on track to be canceled.

2. 10:42 · 11 Jun

   Proposal includes an arranging committee and 7 reserved slots for Netanyahu.

3. 10:08 · 11 Jun

   Netanyahu cites 12 million shekel cost and outlines required committee approval process.

• Strong09:00 · 21 JulLikud cancels vote on primary regulations and PM's reserved slots after court petitions; party sources say delays serve Netanyahu's push for arranging committee
• Developing23:58 · 27 JunLikud sources: Netanyahu seeks to cancel primaries to prevent defections in a deadlock scenario
• Developing15:04 · 17 JunSenior Likud figure says Netanyahu 'serious' about arranging committee, will decide in days
• Developing21:36 · 24 JunNetanyahu offers Likud MKs specific reserved list slots amid infighting

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