Likud grants reserved spots on party list to Sa’ar and Katz, expanding PM’s control over its makeup

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's Likud party is solidifying its electoral list by reserving additional spots for prominent figures, including Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar and Defense Minister Israel Katz. These reserved slots, in addition to eight already allocated to Netanyahu for his chosen candidates, will be presented to the party's secretariat for approval.

The party's internal dynamics are heating up ahead of upcoming primaries. A significant bloc of Haredi (ultra-Orthodox) activists are actively recruiting members to Likud, aiming to wield greater influence within the ruling party. This strategic effort, reportedly involving thousands of Haredi voters, seeks to advance their community's interests, potentially shifting focus from traditional Haredi political representatives.

Likud politicians, including Netanyahu himself, are increasingly engaging with the Haredi community. Ministers and lawmakers have been seen attending Haredi events as they campaign for support. This outreach is particularly significant as the upcoming primaries are expected to be unusually competitive, with Likud projected to lose seats. The influence of a few thousand Haredi voters could prove decisive in determining the party's slate.

This internal maneuvering occurs against a backdrop of broader political realignments and the party's efforts to consolidate power. The expansion of reserved slots and the intensified courting of specific voter blocs underscore the strategic calculations at play as Likud prepares for its internal elections and anticipates future political challenges.