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🇮🇱 Israel /Elections & Politics

Netanyahu ally predicts half of Likud lawmakers will lose seats, 'watch Knesset on TV'

From Jerusalem Post · () English

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Context piece
  • An associate of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu predicts that half of the Likud lawmakers will lose their seats in the next election.
  • The associate claims many lawmakers were afraid to speak out and will fail to secure spots on the party's next list.
  • This criticism comes amid internal party battles over candidate selection and controversial clauses.

An associate of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has sharply criticized Likud lawmakers and ministers, predicting that approximately half of them will not be re-elected to the Knesset. The associate stated that out of 45 Likud members, including those under the Norwegian Law, only about 18 plus eight reserved slots are likely to remain, based on current polls suggesting Likud will win 25 seats. "They will go home. Where will everyone be?" the associate questioned.

They will go home. Out of 45, including those under the Norwegian Law, 18 will remain, plus eight reserved slots. According to the polls, Likud will win 25 seats. Where will everyone be?

— An associate of Prime Minister Benjamin NetanyahuPredicting the significant loss of seats for current Likud lawmakers in the upcoming election.

The criticism extends to the lawmakers' perceived reluctance to voice their opinions openly. "They had the organizing committee handed to them on a silver platter, and they were afraid to speak out openly. Now, in practice, about half of the Knesset members will be left off the list," the associate argued. Blame was also placed on figures like Haim Katz and David Bitan for allegedly dragging Likud into a "serious mess," with Netanyahu expected to bring new individuals onto the party list. The associate mockingly suggested many would end up "watching Channel 99," referencing the Knesset television channel.

They had the organizing committee handed to them on a silver platter, and they were afraid to speak out openly. Now, in practice, about half of the Knesset members will be left off the list.

— An associate of Prime Minister Benjamin NetanyahuCriticizing Likud lawmakers for their perceived inaction and fear, which the associate believes will cost them their positions.

This critique follows a contentious battle over a controversial clause that allows serving Knesset members, ministers, and deputy ministers to also run for regional and reserved slots. The associate lamented that even after Haim Katz narrowly won this clause, it is not guaranteed that Eti Atiah, for whom the rule was reportedly created, will secure a Knesset seat. Furthermore, the associate warned that many Knesset members considering running in districts against new candidates might lose, despite the clause opening the door for them, as the party grassroots have demonstrated significant strength.

They fought over the top spots, and many Knesset members, as well as ministers, will find themselves watching Channel 99.

— An associate of Prime Minister Benjamin NetanyahuMockingly referring to the Knesset television channel to emphasize the potential ousting of current members due to internal party struggles.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Jerusalem Post. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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