Netanyahu's reserved spots maneuver: how Ze'ev Elkin might jump to a realistic spot
Prime Minister Netanyahu is considering reserving a spot for Hapoel Hadera captain, reserve combat soldier, and torchbearer Menashe Zalka, in a move intended to appeal to young people and Ethiopian immigrants. At the same time, ways are being examined to promote Ze'ev Elkin on the list, as well as a possible reserved spot for Avi Dichter.
Ahead of the closing of the lists, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is examining several moves to change the face of the Likud list — including the possibility of reserving a spot for Menashe Zalka, captain of Hapoel Hadera and a combat reserve soldier, and an attempt to ensure Ze'ev Elkin a realistic spot on the list. Also on the agenda is a possible reserved spot for Avi Dichter, due to his experience and security background.
Netanyahu attaches importance to Elkin's position and sees him as an electoral asset, among other things among the Russian-speaking public, but also among other audiences. The intention is to bring Elkin to the 24th or 26th spot. One way to do this is to reserve him directly in one of the spots available to Netanyahu.
The second option being examined concerns Israel Katz. According to the plan, Katz will be placed in one of the spots reserved for Netanyahu, and thus his spot in the national list will be vacated. This change will advance Elkin several spots in the ranking and may bring him to a realistic spot, without the need for a direct reservation for him and without bypassing a candidate ranked before him.
Netanyahu is also considering dedicating a reserved spot to Avi Dichter, who finished the primaries in an unrealistic spot. The option being considered is to use one of the reserved spots to jump him to a position that will guarantee his entry into the Knesset.
Dichter, former head of the Shin Bet and possessing security and ministerial experience, is perceived in Netanyahu's circle as a figure who can strengthen the Likud's security team. A final decision on the matter has not yet been made, and the option is being examined within the framework of the discussions that Netanyahu is holding on filling the reserved spots.
Another name that came up in the discussions is Zalka. In the Likud, they attach importance to the public profile he has built in recent years and to the fact that he is known far beyond the football fields. Zalka, a member of the Ethiopian community, may help the Likud among Ethiopian immigrants and among young people. In conversations about his candidacy, they point to his combat service and his public identification with military service and patriotism. Another possibility being examined for the representation of Ethiopian immigrants is the reservation of a spot for Tsaga Malako.
Zalka, born in 1990, is associated more than anything with Hapoel Hadera, where he grew up and to which he returned in 2016. He was one of the leaders of the club's promotion from Liga Alef to the Premier League within two years, and subsequently served as the team's captain for seven consecutive seasons in the top league.
Alongside his professional career, he served as a fighter and commander in the Paratroopers' anti-tank company and continues in combat reserve service. Throughout periods of fighting, he more than once preferred service in the reserves over participating in his team's games. In 2019, he was chosen to light a torch at the Independence Day ceremony on Mount Herzl, among other things for the combination of a sports career with service and contribution to society. Decisions on the reserved spots have not yet been made.
