Prime Minister Netanyahu revealed to the Knesset Constitution Committee on Tuesday why he is pushing to reshuffle the Likud party list, saying the composition must be refreshed because the party is perceived as outdated. 'You've got to bring in new forces,' he said, according to Israel Hayom.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu made his most explicit public case yet for reshaping the Likud Knesset list during a hearing before the Knesset Constitution Committee on Tuesday. According to a report by Israel Hayom, Netanyahu told the committee: 'You have to be blind or deaf not to hear it. We want to win, and we are perceived as outdated. People tell me the base is solid, but bring in fresh forces — bring in new people.' The remarks come as Netanyahu faces growing internal party opposition to his demand for roughly 10 reserved slots on the Likud slate, a topic The Zioneer has tracked since late June. Earlier reports indicated senior Likud figures are resisting the overhaul, with some arguing it would be better to cancel primaries outright than to grant the requested reserved positions. Netanyahu's statement today marks a shift in tone — from closed-door ultimatums to an on-record public appeal. The significance for the upcoming election campaign is substantial: Likud's list composition will determine its appeal to swing voters and affect coalition math after the vote.
- DevelopingNetanyahu reportedly warns Likud list composition could cost election
- DevelopingSenior Likud figure says Netanyahu 'serious' about arranging committee, will decide in days
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- DevelopingLikud sources: Netanyahu seeks to cancel primaries to prevent defections in a deadlock scenario
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