Likud Faces Representation Deficit of Key Sectors Ahead of Knesset List Deadline
As Knesset list deadlines near, Likud faces a shortage of reservists, settlers, and immigrants in realistic slots. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu faces pressure over his discretionary choices.
Representation Deficit in Likud's Knesset List
As the deadline for submitting Knesset party lists approaches, Likud is facing a noticeable lack of representation for several key demographics historically aligned with the party. While other political factions offer these sectors clear and defined slots, Likud currently lacks prominent representatives from the religious Zionism movement, Judea and Samaria settlers, and IDF reservists in realistic, realistic spots on its list.
This gap raises significant questions regarding how Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will utilize his personal discretionary slots ("shiryonim") to address the shortfall and appeal to the movement's traditional electorate. Alongside these three sectors, two other prominent groups currently lack realistic representation on the Likud list: immigrants from the former Soviet Union and members of the Ethiopian-Israeli community.
The Search for Multi-Sector Candidates
In an effort to find a candidate who meets multiple criteria simultaneously, the name of Yigal Brand was raised. Brand—a Likud and Betar activist, a member of the religious Zionist and settler communities, and a reserve officer who fought and was wounded in the war—was seen within the party as a figure who could bridge several representation gaps at once.
However, three weeks ago, Brand announced that after careful consideration, he decided to withdraw his candidacy and would not run in the upcoming elections. He noted that he was writing the message while on active reserve duty in southern Lebanon, where he prefers to focus his efforts.
Channels of Influence on Netanyahu's Decisions
The screening process for Netanyahu's discretionary slots is being conducted through several competing power centers attempting to reach the Prime Minister's desk.
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The Mayors' Axis: A central channel consists of Likud mayors, including Benny Biton of Dimona and Yechiel Zohar of Netivot, who previously raised the option of former minister Ayelet Shaked—an option that currently appears unlikely to materialize.
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The Advisory Circle: Another influential channel includes close advisors, such as Yaakov Bardugo.
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The Family Axis: The Prime Minister's family circle continues to play a significant role in vetting potential candidates.
This complex dynamic means that despite numerous names being floated, the screening process remains rigid, and potential candidates are often blocked at intermediate stages before ever reaching Benjamin Netanyahu's desk for a final decision.
