Channel 14 reports that Prime Minister Netanyahu is conducting a last-minute blitz of appointments as the deadline for closing Likud's candidate lists approaches, reshaping the party roster for the upcoming election.
Channel 14 reported Tuesday evening that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is conducting a last-minute blitz of appointments (shriyonim) to the Likud candidate list as the deadline for list closure approaches, reshaping the party roster. The report adds a new dimension to the developments that unfolded earlier in the day.
At 16:24 Jerusalem, the Likud secretariat formally approved Netanyahu's proposed reserved slots, with three members voting against. Earlier at the same time, Netanyahu had presented the plan to party members, describing it as 'extra force' (תוספת כוח), according to a ynet report. The Zioneer published an analysis at 16:24 assessing that the reserved slots are unlikely to boost Likud's projected seat count and that this is likely Netanyahu's final election campaign. The current Channel 14 report indicates additional last-minute appointments beyond the already-approved slate.
The Zioneer has previously reported on friction between Likud and Channel 14, which has been closely covering the party's internal dynamics (Aug 6 background). A Channel 13 poll from July 21 showed Likud losing a seat, with the anti-Netanyahu bloc at 60 seats. The blitz may reflect efforts to consolidate the list amid polling pressures.
The specific individuals affected by the new appointments have not yet been disclosed, and it remains unclear whether these go beyond the reserved slots approved earlier today.
4 developments
- DevelopingLikud members pressuring Netanyahu to reduce reserved slots, report says
- DevelopingNetanyahu offers Likud MKs specific reserved list slots amid infighting
- DevelopingSenior Likud figure says Netanyahu 'serious' about arranging committee, will decide in days
- StrongLikud primaries reportedly set to be canceled; Netanyahu to determine list
Source and signal
- Open-source intake