As Netanyahu weighs reserved slots, officials consider how party list will change prior to election

With the Likud primaries concluded, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is now focusing on the strategic use of eight reserved slots to shape the party's electoral list. These slots allow him to appoint candidates even after party members have cast their votes, significantly influencing the final composition of the Likud slate.

One prominent figure under consideration is former finance minister Moshe Kahlon. Senior Likud officials have reportedly conveyed a message to Kahlon, suggesting a high spot on the list if he decides to return to politics. Kahlon, who remains strongly associated with cost-of-living issues according to party polling, has not yet committed to a return.

Another potential recipient of a reserved slot is Tsega Melaku, who withdrew from the primary race. Members of the Ethiopian-Israeli community are actively campaigning for her inclusion, with 32 Ethiopian Jewish religious leaders signing a letter to Netanyahu urging him to secure her a place. Party polling suggests Melaku could deliver significant support from her community, potentially equivalent to half a Knesset seat.

The allocation of these reserved slots carries substantial weight, as they can directly impact the Knesset prospects of candidates who ranked lower in the primary results. Likud officials anticipate considerable difficulty in securing approval for additional reserved slots, especially if they are not assigned to candidates with clear electoral appeal. The process also involves an institutional challenge, as the Likud Secretariat must vote on these appointments, with members in borderline positions having a vested interest in the outcome.

Opponents of the reserved slots practice within Likud may point to decisions made by other parties, such as the Democrats' chairman Yair Golan, who opted against using such reserved positions. This highlights the ongoing debate about the fairness and justification of overriding primary election results.