Likud weighs reserving Knesset slot for Smotrich amid electoral concerns

The Likud party is exploring the possibility of reserving a Knesset seat for Bezalel Smotrich, leader of the Religious Zionist Party. This move is intended to consolidate right-wing votes and prevent potential losses if Smotrich's party fails to cross the electoral threshold.

Recent talks among senior Likud officials have shifted from a potential merger with Itamar Ben-Gvir's Otzma Yehudit to securing alliances within the broader right-wing bloc. The strategy acknowledges that Smotrich's base, particularly religious-Zionist voters in the West Bank, have consistently supported Likud, making them the second-largest party in that region in the last election. By including Smotrich, Likud aims to ensure these votes are not wasted.

This consideration comes amid internal discussions about Likud's primary and the allocation of reserved slots on the party's electoral slate. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is reportedly set to receive 10 reserved slots, with nine placed among the top 30 positions. However, Likud officials note that last-minute changes are still possible before final approval.

Furthermore, Likud is facing pressure from declining poll numbers. Recent surveys indicate that Gadi Eisenkot's Yashar! party has overtaken Likud, with Channel 13's poll showing Yashar! with 23 seats compared to Likud's 22. Naftali Bennett's party has also seen a decline, dropping to 15 seats.