Likud announces three more slots on party's Knesset list

Israel's ruling Likud party is preparing to approve three reserved slots on its Knesset list for prominent ministers, according to a statement from the party. The secretariat is expected to ratify the placement of Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar, Defense Minister Israel Katz, and Likud Central Committee Chairman Haim Katz.

The move comes as Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is also expected to add new reserved candidates to the list. Likud stated that Haim Katz, who was anticipated to be high on the list, will receive a reserved slot to focus on security needs rather than political campaigning.

Sa'ar's inclusion is part of a unification agreement between his party and Likud, while Haim Katz's placement is due to his role as chairman of the party's Central Committee. These decisions aim to solidify the party's lineup ahead of upcoming elections.

Last week, Prime Minister Netanyahu announced Oren Dobronsky, a businessman and television personality, as his first reserved candidate. Netanyahu welcomed Dobronsky, noting his expected role in advancing artificial intelligence in various sectors, including the economy, public sector, education, and medicine, after the elections.

“

The Likud Secretariat will be asked to approve, alongside the prime minister's reserved slots, the placement of Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar, Defense Minister Israel Katz, and party Central Committee Chairman Minister Haim Katz on the Likud list, in addition to the new candidates the prime minister is expected to reserve.